CONSUMER GOODS ACCELERATOR
Application Deadline: July 1, 2020
Program Launch: July 20, 2020
Creating and scaling a CPG company looks different today than it did at the beginning of 2020. The challenges vary greatly—whether it is determining how to best protect your employees, mitigating risk of a shutdown, reworking your pro-forma, expanding into new verticals and distribution models, and that’s just to name a few. This year’s virtual Consumer Goods Accelerator—produced by CO.LAB and Proof—will cover how to navigate these challenges and ultimately help build a path for success in the near and distant future.
OVERVIEW
CO.LAB’s Consumer Goods Accelerator is a 10-week program for early-stage companies working in the consumer goods sector. Founders will work closely with our region’s robust network of industry mentors and corporate partners to find paths to success.
Just so you know—this isn’t your traditional classroom accelerator. We work closely with founders to problem solve and plan for growth, whether we’re digging deep into financial strategy or even helping you with production. See the areas we tackle head-on.
QUALIFICATIONS
We’re looking for early-stage companies who have—at the minimum—tested their product on the market and demonstrate a complete proof of concept. Ideal companies may be making products that include, but not limited to, the following:
Pre-packaged beverage products, such as spirits, beer, and kombucha
Pre-packaged food products
Health and lifestyle products
Established and scalable restaurant, brewery and distillery concepts
Agricultural products, such as creameries
TESTIMONIALS
“I knew very quickly that the work the accelerator program was setting out to do was exactly what we needed, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.”
— Padgett Arnold, Owner of Sequatchie Cove Creamery
“We had access to experts in the different areas of business who mentored us one-on-one and equipped us with a roadmap to take our business to the next level. It was definitely worth taking the time off from working IN my business to work more closely ON the business and I would encourage every entrepreneur to do the same.”
— Norma Maloney, Founder of LoAdebar
Benefits
Home of a thriving food and beverage production industry and some of the nation’s leading experts in large-scale production and distribution
Access to Chattanooga’s growing retail industry that earned a combined $6.8 billion in sales in 2016 alone
Deep pool of manufacturing talent stemming from Chattanooga’s many decades of leadership as one of the strongest advanced manufacturing hubs in the Southeast
Exposure and opportunity to present to investment groups, funds, and strategic partners
Interested in the accelerator but not sure if you are a good fit? Fill out the form below and let’s talk:
TEAM + Mentors
PROGRAM PARTNERS
We have a robust network of corporate partners who have contributed valuable insights and resources to ensuring success for program participants.
