NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Circularity isn’t just another sustainability framework — it’s a radically different way of doing business. It’s an emerging business strategy that enables companies and organizations to innovate in ways that address resource scarcity and climate risk, respond to consumer and societal pressure to reduce waste, and unlock a $4.5 trillion economic opportunity.

The circular economy is transformational, disruptive, regenerative and will create opportunities at every part of the economic spectrum. It requires engaging with a company’s entire value chain, even with competitors and companies outside of one’s sector.

However, it is still early days. There is a lack of awareness about the circular economy and many myths and misunderstandings about how to finance it, the impact of the policy environment and how more companies and cities can seize the moment.

Circularity 19 is the largest circular economy event in North America. The event will bring together more than 500 thought leaders and practitioners to accelerate the circular economy opportunity. Through inspirational plenaries, interactive breakouts, networking opportunities and a solutions-focused showcase, Circularity 19 will inspire, inform and empower participants to turn circular economy concepts into profitable opportunities for companies and cities.

With large numbers of vulnerable refugees fleeing unrest in their countries and settling in refugee camps, providing economic opportunities is essential for communities to survive. VisionFund International along with its local microfinance institution, VisionFund Uganda, and other partners recently completed an assessment of the savings and lending activity in Uganda’s West Nile region to determine the viability of providing financial services to these community groups. The assessment reviewed the primary sources of income and livelihood activities, and the opportunities and challenges the population faced.

Join speaker Martina Crailsheim, Refugee Microfinance Manager of VisionFund International, as she presents the assessment results and business opportunities in West Nile that merit providing financial services to the host population and refugees, especially in those areas where there is currently limited or no presence of formal financial institutions.