Wedoany.com Report on Mar 9th, Global Fashion Agenda and Visa have jointly launched the "Visa Young Creator: Recycle the Runway" project, aiming to support circular fashion entrepreneurs in Europe. The project is now accepting applications. Applicants must be based in Europe and have at least one year of entrepreneurial experience.
Eligible business areas cover upcycling, textiles, accessories, footwear, or apparel. Applicants must primarily operate within the EU, with their business focus centered around circular fashion activities such as resale, repair, rental, refill, returns, or redistribution. A jury of industry experts, including Laura Ingham from Vogue, Kirsty Keoghan from eBay, Shailja Dubé from the British Fashion Council, Philip Konopik from Visa Europe, and Recycle the Runway ambassador Gemma Styles, will jointly select 15 winners.
The prize structure includes: ten winners sharing €50,000 for business investment, four winners each receiving €10,000, along with invitations to the 2026 Copenhagen Global Fashion Summit, personal coaching, mentorship, and promotional opportunities. One grand prize winner will receive €20,000 and all the aforementioned benefits. All finalists must be able to attend the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 6-7, 2026.
Federica Marchionni, CEO of Global Fashion Agenda, stated: "Through Recycle the Runway, we are proud to support a new generation of creators who are reimagining how fashion is designed, produced, and experienced. This initiative helps translate circular ideas into viable businesses, shaping a more regenerative fashion future. By connecting creative talent with funding, guidance, and industry platforms, GFA continues to accelerate the transition towards a more circular fashion system."
Philip Konopik, Group Country Manager for the Nordics and Baltics at Visa Europe, commented: "Through the collaboration on Visa Young Creator: Recycle the Runway with Global Fashion Agenda, we are proud to empower a new generation of creators and highlight how purpose-driven small businesses can accelerate the transition towards a more regenerative fashion economy." The project promotes the development of a circular fashion system by providing funding and mentorship, supporting entrepreneurs in transforming sustainable concepts into practical business models.
