Coffee to biodiesel a low carbon challenge finalist

A group converting coffee into biodiesel is among six finalists selected for a chance to access up to $45,000 in match funding.

Biodiesel Locally, which creates biodiesel from coffee grounds, has been listed in the fourth annual Wellington Low Carbon Challenge.

The challenge, founded in partnership with the Wellington City Council, is for existing businesses, start-ups, or new ideas which reduce the city’s carbon emissions with environmentally-friendly enterprise solutions or alternatives.

Finalists receive business mentorship and advice, as well as the chance to access $45,000 in match funding to double what they earn from crowdfunding during the challenge through partner PledgeMe.

Programme organiser Anthony Cabraal from Enspiral says a record 35 entries were received from across the Wellington region.

Others among the finalists are Organic Dynamic, which makes surf boards from recycled polystyrene and New Zealand timber, Wa Collective – a social enterprise providing a solution to period waste, period poverty and the period taboo, Poly Palace – making polystyrene as sustainable as possible, the Zero Waste Grocery Store, and Gurgl which provides a solution to create jobs from re-selling children’s clothing.

After a series of business workshops and mentoring, the finalists will launch crowdfunding for their initiatives on PledgeMe at the challenge finale on October 31.

Funds will be matched by the Wellington Low Carbon Partnership Fund.

Previous challenge alumni include Mevo, Misprint and Switched on Bikes which have grown successful businesses in Wellington by commercialising electric car sharing, zero waste notebooks and electric bike hire respectively.