The Bin BV was awarded the grant for establishing a collaboration chain for circular parts of streetlights. This reduces CO2 emissions and saves materials such as aluminum and steel. Alderman Susanne Schilderman: “In Utrecht, we are working hard towards a fully circular city. It is wonderful to see how many entrepreneurs contribute to this. The innovation vouchers help them take further steps towards a sustainable future. This is necessary because small and medium-sized enterprises play a key role in the transition to a circular economy.” 

Deputy André van Schie (Economy): “By awarding innovation vouchers, we support innovative companies that contribute to a sustainable living environment for the future. The Bin is a leader in circular entrepreneurship. Their collaboration-oriented business vision is an example for others!”

Award during event ‘Building the Utrecht New Economy Together’
The very first voucher was awarded during the second edition of ‘Building the Utrecht New Economy Together’, an event organized by the municipality for Utrecht entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations that want to contribute to a sustainable and fair economy. In 2024, the municipality presented the first results of the Utrecht New Economy Index (Utrecht NEx). The Utrecht NEx annually illustrates where Utrecht companies stand regarding important aspects for a sustainable economy such as inclusive entrepreneurship, real prices, transparent chains, new wealth, green energy, biodiversity, and circular economy. Alderman Susanne Schilderman: “We are proud of the entrepreneurs who work every day towards a sustainable and inclusive city. The Utrecht NEx shows where we stand and where we still need to take steps. The innovation vouchers fit well with this, as a way to encourage Utrecht entrepreneurs to develop within the new economy.”
 

Circular SMEs in the spotlight
The SME Innovation Voucher Circular Economy is part of the Opportunities for West III program, which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The scheme aims to stimulate circular innovations within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Utrecht. A total budget of €500,000 is available. The innovation vouchers support SMEs in developing projects within the circular economy. In addition to the project voucher, there is also an advisory voucher available for hiring external expertise to accelerate the development of innovations or innovative collaboration.
 

Want to know more?
Curious about the results of the Utrecht New Economy Index? These can be found here. More information about the vouchers can be found on the website of Opportunities for West.

_{Alderman Susanne Schilderman (Circular Economy, right in the photo) presents the voucher to The Bin BV (middle) together with representatives of the Province of Utrecht (left in the photo)} 

_{Photo: Abe Jonker}