Cirque du Soil x Go Full Circle 2023 program: Wrap up reflections
Go Full Circle 2023 program snapshot:
Cirque du Soil was engaged as project delivery partner for the 2023 program and responsible for the business engagement, tech stack design and LMS integration and program delivery, designed specifically for SME owners and leaders in an 8 week virtual program, which ran from July – September 2023.
- 30 SMB participants enrolled in the 8 week program to learn Circular Economy principles and a were provided a toolkit to identify potential circular initiatives within their organisations.
- Program participants consisted of businesses representing 15 hospitality businesses, 2 hotels, 9 retail, 2 events, 3 health industry and 5 community organisations.
- Cirque du Soil designed and managed the Trader EOI ecosystem, Curriculum and Adult Learning framework, Workshop Program Modules and toolkit, guest speakers and supported each individual business’ circularity action plan.
- 1:1 Consulting sessions and Drop in sessions conducted
- Hosted and coordinated In Person networking program wrap up event
- Outcomes: Overall, participants reported a 35% uplift in confidence (from 5.88 to 7.92 out of 10), and their motivation to drive circular change at conclusion was a 9 out of 10.
Tangible Impacts on Businesses
The program’s impact will continue to go beyond theory; it’s transformative aspect stems from regenerative thinking principles and fostering a business leader’s ultimate ‘why’ as they embarked on their individual circular action plans. Overall businesses reported benefits like cost savings and increased environmental and social value. For instance, a local café reduced waste management costs by 20% through innovative recycling practices learned in the program. The focus extended beyond monetary gains, emphasizing creating value through stakeholder engagement.
Diverse Participation and Perspectives
A strength of the program lies in its diversity of businesses from cafes, hotels, bars, retail stores, to showcase its versatility. One of the best learnings and insights were gained at on-site consultations, to further support translating circular initiatives into practical implementations across varied sectors, from a hair salon and physiotherapist to a music studio.
Building hyperlocal Communities of Practice
Moving forwards, our personal goals of developing circular education programs was to ultimately create a cumulative effect of place based communities of practice, to build deeper connections and collaboration among participants and the broader community. Jean noted, “One key design consideration was to create lasting networks, knowing that would amplify change.”
To support this, alongside our 1-day Circular Transitions Leadership workshops series, we created an ongoing cross sectorial community of practice from a range of industry groups, in a roving series of social events for 2024, via a Circularity in Action social meet up Linkedin and Facebook group.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Possibilities
As the program wraps up its second year, hopes are high for its continuation, whether through cohort-based programs, masterclasses, or self-paced online workshops. The aim remains consistent: to guide businesses in their transformation toward a circular economy.
The Circular Economy is not just an environmental or social ideal; it’s a game changing business opportunity where we can leverage both reducing waste costs and simultaneously lowering carbon impacts created within your businesses, further driving social value to a growing movement of conscious consumerism.
Program Conclusion: A Circular Journey is ongoing
Circular Economy focused education programs like the Go Full Circle Program stands as a beacon for businesses committed to making a positive environmental impact. However it doesn’t just stop there. Like regenerative design, circular economy is an ongoing, transformative journey toward business for good, underpinned by a community-centric mindset. As businesses increasingly look to the future with taking climate action, a bespoke circular education program across industry sectors will progressively lead the way toward a more circular, regenerative future.
