The Sustainability Transition Acceleration Hub is an initiative of JUST FASHION. JUST FASHION aims at accelerating climate transition in the fashion industry, by providing businesses in the partner countries with a reference framework and tools to shift their production methods, internal procedures and final products towards more sustainable models that are a lower carbon, circular and socially inclusive.This Hub will help (M)SMEs in the fashion industry understand how sustainability actions can support their business growth.
This open call aims to support fashion (M)SMEs in developing and implementing climate transition plans by providing tools, pilot experiences, and access to finance. The Acceleration Hub is a structured support programme designed to help 6–12 selected fashion (M)SMEs strengthen their sustainability transition by improving their access to public and private funding.
What it offers?
The Acceleration Hub provides a hands-on, online advisory programme supporting JUST FASHION pilots and other onboarded fashion (M)SMEs seeking external private and public funding, specifically using innovative methods of funding to finance their climate transition plans.
How it works?
The financing options will be tailored to the individual needs and setup of the companies involved, with a particular emphasis on innovative funding methods, including non-financial crowdfunding and regulated crowdfunding. It will facilitate matchmaking between (M)SMEs and investors. The approach aims to provide flexible and personalized assistance to fashion (M)SMEs, facilitating their successful transition to a more sustainable business model through virtual workshops and one-on-one mentoring for fundraising.
The Acceleration Hub follows a step-by-step approach, from onboarding and needs assessment to funding strategy development and investor readiness. The programme will run for approximately 10–12 months, with flexible but continuous participation expected from selected SMEs. The Hub will be integrated into the JUST FASHION Learning Platform, and its tools, resources, and selected results will remain accessible beyond the project duration, ensuring long-term support for SMEs.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via the following link to apply The Sustainability Transition Acceleration by submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI) form!Apply here: https://forms.office.com/e/9YeSqc4zua
Deadline 20.05.2026 18:00 PM (Brussels time)
Who Can Apply?
- Fashion industry (M)SMEs interested in the sustainability transition from across the EU countries.
- Fashion (M)SMEs who are actively engaged in the sustainability transition and have sustainability as part of their value proposition or mission, or have already taken initial steps towards sustainability implementation.
- Fashion (M)SMEs who submit a brief Expression of Interest (EOI) via a form.
- The selection process follows a two-stage approach, starting with an Expression of Interest, followed by a detailed application and a virtual pitch session for shortlisted SMEs.To submit your application, you must apply via the application form before the deadline.
Please note that M(SME)s may still be eligible to apply even if they are in early stages of development or not yet fully sustainable; this does not disqualify them.
Participants in the Acceleration Hub will benefit from:
- Advisory on weaving sustainability and climate action into the business model.
- Deep understanding of investors’ expectations in the fashion sector.
- Connections with experts, mentors, and other business owners.
- Practical tools to figure out how ready your business is for sustainability, for growth, and for investment.
- User-friendly compendium of funding opportunities, facilitating access to financial support for climate transition plans.
- Personalized assistance to fashion (M)SMEs, fostering their successful transition.
- Development of tailored financing strategies and an investment-ready roadmap, including support in defining funding plans, identifying suitable financing opportunities, and outlining next step recommendations.
- Participants are expected to actively engage in the Acceleration Hub activities, including virtual workshops, one-to-one mentoring sessions, onboarding sessions, at least three online workshops, and one mandatory physical meeting, contributing to peer learning and knowledge exchange.
- Participation also requires a consistent time investment throughout the programme and work with mentors.
- The Acceleration Hub follows a structured timeline, from onboarding and initial training sessions to mentoring and final review phases, ensuring a guided progression for participating SMEs.
Key Dates
The selection process will follow a two-stage approach, including an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) and shortlisting phase, followed by a detailed application and virtual pitch session for shortlisted applicants.
- Submissions Open: 20.04.2026
- Submissions Close: 20.05.2026
- Announcement of Shortlisted Applicants: 03.06.2026 (via email and social media)
- Submissions to the comprehensive application and virtual pitch session from Shortlisted Applicants only: 01.07.2026
- Announcement of Final Selection: 31.07.2026 M(SME)’s will be notified by email and listed on the Just Fashion website and social media channels)
The Sustainability Transition Acceleration Hub is an initiative of the EU-funded JUST FASHION project
