In 2026, eBay will expand its Circular Fashion Fund to include applicants from the EU, Switzerland, and Canada, building on its existing programs in the UK, the US, Germany, and Australia.
Launched in 2022, this annual initiative supports businesses addressing the environmental impact of fashion at every stage, from production to disposal. Eight selected startups will receive mentorship and $50,000 in funding. One of these will be named the global winner, securing an additional $300,000 investment from eBay Ventures. To date, the fund has provided funding and mentorship to over 25 businesses.
eBay’s Vice President and Global Head of Fashion, Alexis Hoopes, stated: “Our goal with the Circular Fashion Fund was to help businesses turn circular fashion ambitions into reality. Over the past three years, we’ve seen scalable solutions emerge in areas like textile recycling, resale, and repair. These businesses need capital and support to grow. By expanding the fund, we’re helping more founders build the infrastructure needed to make circular fashion a core part of the industry.”
The judging panel includes Marianne Perkovic (Chair of the Australian Fashion Council), Steven Kolb (CEO of the CFDA), Scott Lipinski (CEO of Fashion Council Germany), and Sarika Bajaj, co-founder of Refiberd and a past participant in the fund.
Applications for the 2026 cycle are open until March 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about eBays Circular Fashion Fund expansion designed to answer questions from a general audience to those more familiar with the industry
Beginner General Questions
1 What is eBays Circular Fashion Fund
Its a multimillion dollar grant program run by eBay It provides funding and support to innovative companies and nonprofits whose work helps keep clothing in use and out of landfillsthis is the core idea of a circular fashion economy
2 What does circular fashion even mean
It means designing selling and using clothes in a loop Instead of the old buy wear throw away model circular fashion focuses on reusing repairing reselling renting and recycling garments so they stay in use for as long as possible
3 Why is eBay expanding this fund to Europe and North America
eBay is already a giant in the secondhand clothing market By expanding the fund they aim to accelerate the growth of the entire circular fashion ecosystem in these key markets supporting new technologies and services that make buying and selling used clothes easier for everyone
4 How does this benefit me as a regular shopper or seller
In the long run it should give you more and better options You might find new apps to easily resell your clothes access better repair services or discover innovative brands designing for longevity It helps make sustainable fashion choices more convenient and mainstream
5 Is eBay just giving away money
Not exactly Its a grant program not an investment for profit They award funding to selected organizations that have promising projects or business models aligned with circular fashion goals Think of it as seed funding to help good ideas grow
Advanced Detailed Questions
6 What kinds of companies or projects does the fund typically support
Past winners include companies working in areas like
Resale Technology AI that helps price items or tools that streamline selling for large retailers
Repair Renewal Services that offer expert mending alterations or refurbishment
Recycling Innovation New methods to break down old textiles into new fibers
Sustainable Materials Developing lowerimpact fabrics designed for multiple lifecycles
7 Who is eligible to apply for a grant
Eligibility details are announced with each funding round Typically