PULSE Balkans, within the regional RECONOMY program, is launching a Call for Proposals for the Circular by Design pilot program. 

This pilot programme is part of the regional RECONOMY program which is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries. In Serbia, the implementation of the programme is led by RECONOMY in collaboration with PULSE Balkans.

About the Program

Circular by Design is a three-month program (April–June 2026) designed to strengthen social and green entrepreneurial initiatives in Serbia. The pilot aims to identify and prepare entrepreneurs to integrate into specific value chains and potentially collaborate within the IKEA ecosystem.  

IKEA is looking for social enterprise partners to act as a sub-supplier in specific areas: Waste treatment (ceramics and/or glass, mattresses, furniture, textile…) and Logistics/Transports or Customer fulfillment related services.

Who Can Apply?

• Project leaders of any legal form (commercial companies, social enterprises, associations, etc.) – even if a bonus will be awarded to applications from social enterprises – who have experience or are working in circular economy, notably capable of providing services such as waste treatment or transports/logistics and customer fulfillment;
• Priority is given to established structures and projects in Serbia that have already been tested, although we also accept projects in the prototype phase from start-ups;
• Priority is given to projects whose one of its components is to enable youth (aged 15–34) and women (no age limit), including the most disadvantaged, to benefit from green economic opportunities. 
• People who have the capacity to dedicate time to the support program proposed. 
• People who can easily work in an English environment.
• People who are willing to work with IKEA mentors and align with IKEA Code of Conduct. 

What We Offer?

– COACHING:  

Monthly personalized support from RECONOMY.  

– MENTORSHIP:

Guidance from IKEA experts and external specialists.  

– WORKSHOPS: 

Collective sessions on entrepreneurship, impact, and circular economy.  

– NETWORKING: 

Visits to IKEA operations and access to events.  

– GRANT: 

2 500€ (approx.293.525,00 RSD) to support business development.  

Timeline

– Selection: April 2026  

Screening of applications; Development of Individual readiness and Maturity profiles for shortlisted actors;

– Support Program: April–May 2026  

Online or in-person initial needs assessment (1-2 hours); One-to-one coaching sessions; 3 days of collective trainings & visits; Access to events & opportunities; Mentorship on Business model refinement, Corporate alignment, Compliance standards;

– Matchmaking: June 2026  

Validating pilot pathways through structured pitch sessions with IKEA teams.

How to Apply?

Applicants should prepare:

• Pitch Deck
• Company Profile
• Registration Proof (official business or NGO registration certificate)
• Details on team expertise, areas of collaboration, main challenges, motivation.

You can apply for the Circular by Design program until April 14, 2026 by filling out the form at this link: https://airtable.com/appQuiLAmBAtjzxXw/pagaRLlAzmWMjNu8D/form 

For more information, please contact us via email at marko.pajovic@pulse-group.org and  developpement@pulse-group.org.

You can also download the full Terms of Reference here.