Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and payments company Visa have launched a new programme aimed at supporting emerging entrepreneurs focused on circular fashion, offering funding, mentorship and industry exposure to help scale sustainable fashion businesses.
The initiative, called Visa Young Creators: Recycle the Runway, is designed to support early-stage designers and entrepreneurs across Europe who are developing business models based on circular practices such as resale, repair, rental and upcycling.
Applications are now open to entrepreneurs who have operated a fashion-related business for at least one year and are primarily based in Europe. Eligible sectors include apparel, footwear, textiles and accessories, provided the business focuses on extending the lifecycle of fashion products through circular solutions.
Fifteen winners will be selected by a jury made up of fashion and industry experts including Laura Ingham of Vogue, Kirsty Keoghan from eBay, Shailja Dubé of the British Fashion Council and Philip Konopik of Visa Europe. Media personality Gemma Styles will also serve as a jury member and ambassador for the programme.
Under the scheme, ten winners will collectively receive €50,000 to invest in their businesses. Four additional winners will each receive €10,000 and gain access to mentorship, industry guidance and promotional opportunities. They will also be invited to attend the Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026.
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One grand prize winner will receive €20,000 along with the same benefits, including mentorship sessions and visibility within the global fashion industry.
Federica Marchionni, chief executive of Global Fashion Agenda, said the programme aims to support the next generation of innovators working to reshape the fashion industry.
“Through Recycle the Runway, we are proud to support creators who are reimagining how fashion is designed, produced and experienced,” Marchionni said, adding that connecting creative talent with funding and industry networks can help accelerate the transition toward a circular fashion system.
Shortlisted applicants must be able to attend the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen on May 6–7, where finalists will gain access to industry leaders and potential partners.
Visa Europe Nordics and Baltics Group Country Manager Philip Konopik said the programme seeks to highlight how purpose-driven small businesses can help advance a more regenerative fashion economy.
The initiative comes as fashion companies and policymakers increasingly push for circular business models to address the environmental impact of the global apparel industry.
