Make your business circular – apply now for the ARKI 135 Circular Programme
Circular economy is more than just responsibility – it gives companies a competitive edge and secures access to future resources. This autumn, Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki organises the ARKI 135 Circular Programme, selecting 10 companies to develop their business with circularity experts. The application period runs from July 1 to August 22, 2025.
Is your business based on a circular economy? Would you like to clarify your goals and strategies related to circularity but don’t know where to start?
The ARKI 135 Circular Programme is a free, three-month initiative offering tailored support to help companies develop their business. Ten small and medium-sized enterprises with concrete goals to grow their circular economy-based operations and competitiveness will be selected to participate.
The programme kicks off in September with a joint innovation sprint, where each company’s key development areas will be defined. Companies then receive coaching tailored to their needs – covering topics such as productisation, life cycle assessment, utilisation of side streams, or marketing.
The programme also includes training sessions on topics like circular economy-related regulations and other key aspects of circular business. The programme concludes in December with a joint final event.
What kind of a company can apply?
The ARKI 135 Circular Programme is aimed at SME’s that already have identified circular economy goals or have a business model based on circularity.
There are no industry-specific restrictions for applicants. Applicants must have a valid European business ID.
The expert services provided through the programme are considered de minimis aid (link in Finnish), which can be granted up to € 300 000 over three fiscal years. Participation requires submitting a completed de minimis aid declaration to the Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project before the programme begins. Companies that have already reached their de minimis aid limit for the three-year period are not eligible to participate.
Application and selection of participants
Applications to the programme are submitted using the form below. The application period is open from July 1 to August 22, 2025.
Each participating company may include a team of 1–3 people. Please note that the programme’s opening and closing events will be held on-site at the ARKI 135 Hub (Hämeentie 135 A, 00560 Helsinki). Other activities, such as coaching sessions and training events, can be attended remotely. The programme is organised in Finnish and in English.
Participants are selected based on the information provided in the application form. The evaluation panel includes representatives from the organisations implementing the Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project (Forum Virium Helsinki and Business Helsinki).
Applicants will be informed of the results by August 29. If a company is not selected, it may still participate in the open training sessions offered as part of the programme.
Questions?
For more information about the ARKI 135 Circular Programme and application process, please contact Project Manager Mette Hiltunen (mette.hiltunen@hel.fi).
Questions submitted by August 6 will be published on this page before the application period ends.
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The programme is organised by Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
