Project Zero Accelerator Supports Businesses into the Circular Economy Ecosystem

 

A new video series showcases how Vancouver Island and coastal businesses are cutting costs and improving efficiency through the Synergy Foundation’s Circular Economy Accelerator.

Project Zero, an initiative of the non-profit Synergy Foundation, provides local businesses with the opportunities to uncover cost-saving opportunities, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the curve by embracing sustainability. Island Coastal Economic Trust invested $50,000 with Synergy Foundation, through the Capital and Innovation Program, towards this initiative, which supported 15 small and midsized enterprises in urban communities and 12 in rural communities. The investment was made for its focus on Innovation and Technology, one of eight impact priorities.

A new video series highlights four businesses from across the Trust’s region have benefited from the ongoing Circular Economy Accelerator.

The hands-on program was tailored to help businesses strengthen their operations without a heavy time commitment. The process begins with a site visit with one of Project Zero’s Circular Advisors.

“When businesses are doubtful about the bottom line and sustainability,” said Emily Shields, Manager of Communications & Strategic Initiatives, Synergy Foundation, ”we talk a lot about the business case. We try to show that it’s a value that leads to savings.”

Over just 5-8 hours, scheduled during a 2-month period, businesses gain a sustainability action plan that includes:

• A tailored action plan with 35-40 practical recommendations to cut energy use, waste, and emissions—leading to real cost savings
• Guidance on adopting green technologies and innovative strategies to enhance efficiency and profitability.
• A step-by-step roadmap outlining costs, timelines, and funding options for implementation.

“It depends on the business and the industry,” said Shields, “but there are so many small things you can swap to have a big impact. Where I really get excited is finding the community connections, so we do a lot of matchmaking. We show them who they can work with closely and how, which can lead to big changes.”

This initiative is part of a broader, three-year project focused on strengthening the circular economy across Vancouver Island. The project has four phases, including rural and urban business transition training, entrepreneurial training, and a cluster hub strategy.

See how these four businesses are embracing sustainability and efficiency in action. Watch their videos now.

Circular Economy Accelerator Program videos

Dog Mountain Brewing in Port Alberni

“The Project Zero Accelerator really let us know how we were doing with our product that were going out and products that were coming in and just doing things better for the environment. We just wanted to do better, and we didn’t know what we were doing wrong.” – Robin Miles, Dog Mountain Brewing

Timber Tiles in Port Alberni

“Timber Tiles is owned by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations here in Port Alberni, and we are guided by their three sacred principles, which are: greater respect, taking care of, and everything is one. Everything we do here at Timber Tiles is put under that lens.” – Mark Anson, Timber Tiles

Nexus Modular Solutions in Cobble Hill

“The Accelerator Program was designed to analyze and support circular economy initiatives in the business. The biggest key takeaway for me was that footprint of where we stand compared to traditional construction methodologies. They gave us a huge PDF that outlined what we were doing, how it compared, and what we could do.” – Noah Topp, Nexus Modular Housing.

Ground Up Café & Catering on Gabriola Island

“When we started thinking about the business, we really wanted to have a focus on community, and we wanted to have a focus on sustainability. ” – Jen Demler, Ground Up Cafe and Catering