This year, Growpreneur Accelerator is taking things global.
Thanks to our collaboration with Deep Ecosystem, your startup can gain access to international networks, investors,and the tools needed to scale beyond Albania.
What’s in It for You?
Access to Global Networks Deep Ecosystem brings unmatched expertise in connecting startups with international networks and investors. This means your startup can tap into resources that are otherwise hard to access in local markets.
Expert Guidance for Sustainable Growth Startups will benefit from data-driven strategies and advice from global experts who have a proven track record of helping businesses scale internationally.
Internationalization Opportunities This partnership isn’t just about growing locally, it’s about taking your business to the world stage. Deep Ecosystem offers opportunities to attend global networking events, giving startups the visibility they need to secure investors and partners from around the globe.
Tailored Support to Scale With personalized coaching and the right connections, startups in the Growpreneur Accelerator will be better positioned to build sustainable and scalable business models that appeal to investors, locally and globally.
Why this matters for Albanian start-ups?
The Albanian startup ecosystem is growing, but accessing international markets and investors remains a challenge. By collaborating with Deep Ecosystem, Growpreneur bridges this gap, offering Albanian startups a platform that combines local knowledge with global expertise.
If you’re ready to scale your startup and break into new markets, this is the accelerator for you. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to gain access to global networks and world-class mentorship.
Choosing the Right Path in Growpreneur Accelerator
At Growpreneur Accelerator, we get it, every startup has different needs. That’s why we’ve designed two tracks: Intensive Track and the Flexible Track. Let’s break them down so you can choose the one that fits your growth goals.
Intensive Track
Fast-paced growth for startups ready to scale quickly
The Intensive Track is designed for startups that are ready to commit full-time and scale fast. Here’s what you can expect:
12-week Full-Time Program: This immersive experience is perfect if you want to focus entirely on growing your startup.
Structured Learning: You’ll go through a bootcamp, deep-dive sprints on business strategy, product optimization, financial planning, investment readiness and more.
Hands-On Mentorship: Get direct, focused mentorship from industry experts throughout the program.
Demo Day: At the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll pitch to investors and partners in a high-profile Demo Day
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, high-impact program where you can accelerate quickly and focus intensely on scaling, the Intensive Track is for you.
The Flexible Track offers the same level of support, but with more adaptability for your schedule. Here’s what it offers:
Apply Year-Round: Start when it works best for you. The Flexible Track allows for more personalised timing.
3-6 Months of Tailored Support: You get one-on-one coaching and access to resources that fit your specific needs, with less time pressure.
Optional Events: Choose which masterclasses, workshops, and networking events you want to attend based on your schedule.
Demo Day Opportunity: When you’re ready, you can pitch at Demo Day alongside startups from the Intensive Track.
The Flexible Track is ideal for founders who may be balancing other commitments but still want to take advantage of the resources, top-tier mentorship, and networking offered by Growpreneur.
If your startup is at a point where rapid growth is a priority and you can commit full-time, the Intensive Track is the best option. However, if you need more flexibility and want to work on your own terms while still gaining access to high-quality mentorship and resources, the Flexible Track will provide the support you need.
CCL Shkodra Info Session marked the first step towards a transformative journey for our city in the field of circular economy and urban sustainability.
The event began with a warm welcome from the organisers and key community figures. Mr. Shkëlzen Marku, CEO of Yunus Social Business Balkans and Mr. Rudin Beka, Deputy Mayor of Shkodra Municipality, emphasised the importance of local community involvement in developing sustainable solutions for waste management and improving the quality of life in Shkodër.
Dr. Iven Schad,Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy to Albania, shared his vision on the significance of the circular economy in the European context and the role Shkodër can play as a model for other cities in the region.
Presentation of the Circular City Labs Shkodra Initiative
Mr. Marcel Thomkins, Component Manager EU for Circular Economy and Livable Cities, provided an overview of the Circular City Labs Shkodra initiative, sharing the main objectives and expectations for the acceleration program. He highlighted that the primary goal is to create innovative solutions that can have a tangible impact on waste management and contribute to developing a more sustainable economy.
Participation Criteria and Application Process
Mr. Rubin Beci, Advisor EU for Circular Economy and Livable Cities, detailed the participation criteria and application process for the acceleration program. He emphasized that innovation, creativity, and positive community impact are the key elements sought from applicants. Participants were encouraged to bring ideas that address current waste management challenges in Shkodër and that could be scaled regionally or nationally.
Design Thinking Workshop
Following the presentations, attendees engaged in an interactive Design Thinking workshop led by Mr. Shkëlzen Marku. During this session, they worked in groups to identify key problems and develop creative approaches to solve them. This activity promoted collaboration and fostered innovative thinking among participants.
Many participants expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity provided by Circular City Labs Shkodra. “This info session gave us a clear picture of how we can contribute to transforming our city,” said one attendee. “I’m excited to apply and be part of this program”, added another.
The info session for Circular City Labs Shkodra was a significant step towards creating an innovative community dedicated to sustainability and the circular economy. With the support of local and international institutions, this initiative promises to bring positive changes for the city of Shkodër and beyond.
For CCL Shkodra updates, follow us on social media.
Applications for the Circular City Labs Shkodra are open from 26th of August to 29th of September 2024.
What is Circular Economy?
The Circular Economy is an economic model designed to minimize waste and maximize resource use by keeping products, materials, and resources in circulation for as long as possible. Unlike the traditional linear model, which follows a “buy, use, dispose” approach, the circular economy emphasizes durability, reusability, repairability, and recyclability. This approach is essential for managing the increasing volume of global waste, as it promotes reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. By extending product lifecycles and cutting down on raw material extraction, the circular economy helps conserve resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
What is Circular City Labs Shkodra?
Circular City Labs (CCL) is an innovative accelerator program aimed at tackling urban waste issues by fostering circular economy solutions. Following the success of Circular City Labs – Tirana, we are excited to announce the launch of Circular City Labs – Shkodra (CCL Shkodra). This initiative focuses on developing sustainable solutions for Organic Waste, Packaging Waste, and Textile & Garment Waste, with a special emphasis on creating livable cities.
CCL Shkodra is a program designed to find new and effective ways to manage waste and promote sustainability in cities. It is an accelerator program meaning it helps businesses and projects grow faster by giving them the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This program focuses primarily on three main types of waste: organic waste (like food scraps), packaging waste (like plastic and cardboard), and textile and garment waste (like old clothes). However, circular economy solutions for other waste types are also welcome. The goal is to create better, cleaner, and more livable cities by finding ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle these kinds of waste.
The CCL Shkodra program is part of a broader initiative to transform Albanian cities into innovation-driven, circular, and knowledge-based economies. This program is supported by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the EU 4 Circular Economy and Livable Cities (EU4CELC) and EU4Innovation (EU4I) programs. CCL forms part of the BMZ Initiative for Climate and Environmental Protection (IKU) and runs from 01/2023 to 12/2025.
The CCL Shkodra program is implemented by Yunus Social Business Balkans (YSB Balkans), under the umbrella of its “Growpreneur Accelerator Programme”, in cooperation with DEEP Ecosystems and ARKA. The initiative aims to empower local actors in the Shkodra region to design, prototype, test and pilot viable circular economy solutions that have the potential to scale, replicate and generate positive environmental and social impact. Four entities presenting the most effective solutions will be selected to be piloted in the market and will each receive an award of EUR 50,000 in the form of grants.
Who Should Join? Circular City Labs – Shkodra is designed for businesses, startups, and individuals across various sectors and industries, seeking to develop circular economy solutions falling in any of the following four main categories: (i) Food and Agriculture Waste Solutions; (ii) Packaging Waste Solutions; (iii) Textile Waste Solutions, and (iv) Flexible Circular Economy Solutions.
The applicants may come from various sector or industries, such as, but not limited to:
HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafes)
Retail & Grocery
E-commerce & IT (focused on solutions for waste management)
Logistics & Event Management (with an emphasis on sustainable practices)
City Administration (working on urban waste solutions)
Academia & Researchers (studying waste reduction and circular economy)
Civil Society (involved in sustainability and environmental initiatives)
Food Processing & Manufacturing
Agriculture & Farming
Packaging Industry
Fashion & Textile Industry
Waste Management & Recycling Services
Consumer Goods
Health & Beauty
Hospitality & Tourism
Education & Training Providers
The program encourages especially encourage female founders and women-led businesses to apply, aligning with its commitment to gender development policies.
For more details about the programme check the program’s webpage and its detailed application guidelines or contact the programme team directly.
