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Applications open for SKU CPG accelerator’s spring 2025 track
The December 1 application deadline is fast approaching for this program, which is open to CPG founders representing a wide-range of categories.
November 15, 2024
3 Min Read
SKU, a leading accelerator for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), is now accepting applications for the 12-week Spring ‘25 Track. Ideal candidates are market-validated companies with dedicated founders and innovative products in hot categories with a desire to scale.
SKU seeks brands from a wide range of categories, including food, beverage, pet care, personal care, apparel and health and wellness. While the program is based in Austin, it is hybrid and brands and mentors can be located anywhere. The application deadline is Dec. 1. Brands can apply here.
“SKU has a proven track record of success, providing all of the resources needed for emerging brands to successfully grow,” according to Buff Greebe, Executive Director of SKU. “Our mentor network is packed with CPG superstars and our world-class curriculum covers every aspect of running a successful business. We also help to become investor-ready and provide key connections to help them with their fundraising efforts.”
More than 150 brands have completed the program. Successful alumni include such brands as EPIC Provisions, wildwonder, Daily Crunch and DUDE Wipes. And PepsiCo acquired SKU alum Siete for $1.2 billion in one of the year’s largest CPG deals.
The Spring Track kicks off in mid-February and culminates in late May with the Showcase Pitch event in Austin attended by several hundred influential CPG leaders and investors.
“Kif's time in SKU has been transformational,” says Caroline Brain, founder of Fall ‘24 brand Kif & Co. “I knew it would be an incredible asset, but I could have never predicted the incredible level of support, knowledge and critical connections that it has afforded. Every emerging brand could benefit in my mind.”
SKU works by equipping startups with the tools they need to succeed. During the 12-week program, SKU surrounds founders with a customized curriculum focused on the entire CPG ecosystem, advanced operations support, and access to funding. Weekly classes focus on valuable topics, including Mission and Vision, Branding, Channel Strategy and Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, eCommerce, Digital Market, Social Media and Fundraising.
What sets SKU apart are the superstar mentors—a dream team of industry leaders, successful founders, and investment luminaries. Each brand is surrounded by a hand-picked mentor team providing all areas of expertise and category knowledge—a C-suite of talent guiding them through the program. SKU has a network of more than 700 mentors, including the founders of brands such as Vital Farms, Seventh Generation and Waterloo Sparkling Water.
In addition to the rewards of working with founders, mentors benefit from the experience of working side by side with their peers. SKU is scheduling interviews with accomplished CPG leaders interested in being a mentor. They can apply here.
About SKU
SKU was founded in 2011 by lawyer Shari Wynne Ressler and serial entrepreneur Clayton Christopher, founder of Sweet Leaf Tea and Deep Eddy Vodka, with the mission of accelerating CPGs. It has been a catalyst in establishing Austin as a CPG powerhouse. Since it was founded, more than 100 companies have completed the SKU program. SKU has gained a national reputation for excellence, with such publications as Forbes naming it one of the top CPG accelerators. Learn more at www.sku.is.
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