Circular Economy Strategies for SMEs: Turning Agricultural Residues into Business Opportunities 

An asynchronous training programme that helps SMEs move from linear challenges to circular business models, validated solutions, and a practical business plan for valorising agricultural residues.
This course supports SMEs in the Adriatic-Ionian area to develop circular economy strategies and innovative solutions for the exploitation of residues from agriculture. Participants will learn how to identify opportunities, design circular business models, and validate feasible solutions. The programme uses practical tools (e.g., canvases and templates) to guide learners from understanding linear challenges to building innovative circular value propositions. By the end, participants will be able to translate their ideas into a structured business plan for implementation. 
  • Duration: ~ 24 hours
  • Asynchronous Learning
  • Full Access
  • Language: English* 
* English (main course language), with local-language facilitation/support during node-level sessions where applicable. 
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Course Description

This training programme aims to strengthen SMEs’ capacity to adopt circular economy strategies and develop innovative solutions for the exploitation of residues from agriculture, transforming underused biomass streams into viable business opportunities. The course follows a structured learning path that guides participants from understanding linear challenges and resource inefficiencies, to designing circular business models, validating innovative solutions, and finally shaping a practical business plan ready for implementation.


The programme is implemented within a 10-day blended format through self-paced online learning with short learning “pills”, tutorials, and downloadable training resources (worksheets, canvases and templates).

Methodologically, the course is built around an applied, tool-driven approach. Learners work progressively with practical frameworks such as circular economy canvases and business modelling templates to map their current system, define circular value propositions, explore and prioritise innovation options, and assess feasibility and market relevance. The programme’s content is organised into four interconnected modules: (1) understanding linear challenges, (2) business modelling for circular economy, (3) innovative solutions and validation, and (4) from business model to business plan, ensuring a clear progression from analysis to design, validation and planning.

By the end of the programme, participating SMEs will have developed a structured circular business concept supported by evidence-informed choices and will be able to translate this into a concrete business plan outline that can be further refined for real-world deployment or investment readiness. 

About the course

What's included?

  • 4 thematic modules: linear challenges → circular business modelling → innovative solutions & validation → business planning   
  • Self-paced online learning content on the platform
  • Downloadable training resources, including worksheets, canvases and templates to apply directly to the SME’s context  
  • Case studies / examples to help translate concepts into practice (where included per module) 

What will you learn?

  • Identify and map linear challenges and resource inefficiencies in agri-food/agriculture systems and residue streams.
  • Apply circular economy principles to define opportunities for valorising agricultural residues and by-products.
  • Design a circular business model using structured canvases and business modelling frameworks.
  • Generate, prioritise and validate innovative solutions (considering feasibility, impact, stakeholders, and market needs).
  • Translate a business model into a practical business plan outline, including core strategy elements and pathways for implementation/funding. 

Who is it addressed to?

  • SMEs operating in agriculture and agri-food value chains, including processing, packaging, and related services.
  • SMEs and innovators interested in circular economy, bioeconomy, and residue valorisation (new products, services, side-stream utilisation).
  • Entrepreneurs/start-ups, clusters and support organisations that work with SMEs on sustainable business transformation and innovation uptake (where relevant). 

Course Requirements

To complete the course successfully, participants should have:
  • A basic understanding of their business operations (products/services, processes, inputs/outputs) and at least one residue/by-product stream they want to explore. 
  • Access to a computer and internet connection to follow the online modules and download/use the templates. 
  • Willingness to work on a practical case (their own SME or a selected example) to apply the canvases and tools throughout the programme. 

About the "BioFarms Cluster" project 

BioFarms Cluster (BFC) builds a transnational cluster across the Adriatic–Ionian region to boost innovation in nutraceutical and biopharmaceutical value chains. It supports SMEs to valorise agricultural by-products and wild plants into high-value extracts through technology transfer, standardised protocols and new circular business models, powered by 7 local Nodes. 

The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION programme.
This has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The content of the website is the sole responsibility of JOIST and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and/or IPA ADRION programme authorities. 

Who developed the course?

Developed by the BioFarms Cluster project partnership, with contributions from KUAS (Croatia), FabLab B&H (Bosnia and Herzegovina), GOEL and University Magna Graecia (Italy), and JOIST Innovation Park (Greece). The programme combines partner expertise in circular economy, bioeconomy innovation and SME support, using a blended, tool-driven methodology to help SMEs valorise agricultural residues. 

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