MEDIA KIT

NextCycle Michigan Seeking Applications for 2026 Seed Awards

The NextCycle Michigan Seed Award program is providing small-scale funding and support to early-stage projects focused on keeping materials out of landfills. These awards are designed to help businesses, public sector entities, solid waste authorities, tribal governments, universities/colleges, and non-profits get a jump-start to launch or scale a solution that fills a gap in Michigan’s circular economy.

Award sizes range from $8,000 to $10,000, with a total of $300,000 available. No match required. Eligible projects directly or indirectly improve collecting, processing, minimizing, reusing, composting, or recycling of Michigan’s waste materials.

Seed Awards are funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) as part of NextCycle Michigan. Applicants do not have to be involved in other aspects of the NextCycle Michigan program to apply.

Interested organizations have an opportunity to attend a virtual information meeting on May 20 (register HERE), to ask questions and engage with program facilitators.

Deadline for applications is June 30, 2026. Learn more and download the information packet at www.NextCycleMichigan.com/seed-awards-2026.

SUMMER SHOWCASE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

The NextCycle Michigan Summer Showcase is the culminating event of the NextCycle Michigan Accelerator. Sixteen teams will pitch their reuse, recycling, recovery, and recycled-content projects to potential investors and partners while competing for monetary awards.

Mark your calendars on June 24 in Traverse City to join an audience of business leaders, public-sector decision-makers, recycling industry representatives, community groups, and investors as they witness these changemakers building Michigan’s circular economy.

Learn about the pitching teams and register for FREE: https://nextcyclemichigan.com/2026-summer-showcase

CLOSING THE LOOP ON PLASTIC FILM

As we look at the current landscape of Michigan’s manufacturing and logistics sectors, plastic film remains one of our biggest opportunities for circularity. We are gathering leaders from across the supply chain—industrial generators, collectors, processors, and manufacturers—to discuss practical ways we can capture this material and keep it in the local value chain.

Join the VIRTUAL roundtable on June 4 hosted by Rheaply and NextCycle Michigan, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), to support the Michigan Materials Marketplace and accelerate circular pathways for industrial plastic film.

This virtual meeting allows you to participate - turn on your camera and unmute to join the discussion. No charge to attend this event!

Register for FREE: Plastic Film Roundtable