eBay has partnered with the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) to bring back its Circular Fashion Fund (CFF) for a second year in Australia. The CFF aims to support fashion start-ups in scaling circular solutions from production to end-of-life, with the multinational e-commerce marketplace pledging a global investment of $1.2 million USD to start-ups in the global markets by the end of 2025, along with over 200 hours of mentoring and networking support for applicants from industry experts.

Applications for the CFF are open until 15 November 2024, with innovative tech start-ups, small businesses, social enterprises, and charities all eligible to apply. eBay Ventures will select one winner from the global selection of market winners to become the “Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year” and receive an investment of $300,000 USD.

The CFF was first launched in the UK in 2022 and has since helped 15 businesses scale their circular solutions, including three funding recipients in Australia. Previous Australian recipients include the overall winner, Dempstah, a design practice that recycles Australian textile waste into spun yarn, and runners-up RCYCL and The Very Good Bra.

"At eBay, we’re committed to creating economic opportunity for all while driving positive change in the fashion industry. The Circular Fashion Fund exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation between companies like eBay and fashion start-ups. By uniting our resources and expertise, we’re scaling circular fashion businesses to help build a more sustainable future and reduce clothing going to landfill," said eBay Australia’s Fashion Lead, Anne-Marie Cheney.

Founder of Dempstah and 2024 CFF winner in Australia, Guy Dempster, said: "The last six months have been incredible since we won the Circular Fashion Fund. The Fund has enabled us to attend major industry events worldwide, kickstart new collaborations and invest in our own manufacturing machinery. We've also connected with key stakeholders in both government and the Australian textile industry, keen to support our work and guide us towards further funding and development opportunities."

The Australian winner will receive a $100,000 AUD cash prize, while the two runners-up will receive $50,000 AUD each. All three finalists will receive bespoke mentoring sessions, educational workshops, and networking opportunities. A panel of industry experts across fashion, academia, and sustainability will choose the winners.

"Building on the success of the inaugural Circular Fashion Fund in Australia, we’re excited to see the innovative solutions this year’s applicants propose. Initiatives like this Fund help accelerate innovation and support the Australian industry to create more sustainable and circular business models. By fostering creativity and resilience within our industry, we can pave the way toward a more sustainable future for fashion," said CEO of the Australian Fashion Council, Jaana Quaintance-James.