CONSUMER GOODS ACCELERATOR
Program Launch: July 27, 2021
Program Application Deadline: June 25, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the consumer good industry, and small businesses especially have been challenged to weather new challenges. As a result, building and growing a consumer-packaged product looks different today than even a few years ago. With an increasing amount of innovation and competition in the space, having direct knowledge and connections in the industry is critical to long-term success.
OVERVIEW
The Consumer Goods Accelerator is a *free* intensive 10-week program designed to help emerging CPG companies grow.
The Consumer Goods Accelerator is designed to help emerging consumer-packaged good brands mitigate risk and rapidly expand their growth. The program is led by Proof’s team of industry experts joined by a range of specialists and experienced entrepreneurs who will provide invaluable insights and connections. The intensive program covers a spectrum of areas, including (but not limited to): finance, operations, marketing, distribution, fundraising, and growth planning. Program participants will meet in group sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 – 3 pm ET.
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
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.
