CPG accelerator SKU accepting applications for 12-week spring program

SKU, a leading accelerator for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), is accepting applications for the Spring ’24 Track.

Ideal candidates are market-validated companies with compelling founders and innovative products in hot categories—including food and beverage, pet care, beauty and apparel—and revenue of $100,000 or more. Participating founders will be expected to exchange a 5% stake in their company, which will be distributed primarily among the mentors.

The SKU curriculum covers topics important to CPG startups, including Mission + Vision, Branding, Channel Strategy, Pricing, Supply Chain and Innovation. Top industry experts lead the various classes.

The application deadline is Nov. 19. Based in Austin, Texas, the program is offered remotely, with one or two in-person events. The cohort is scheduled to kick off on March 5 and culminate on May 21 with a showcase pitch event. The curriculum covers topics such as mission + vision, branding, channel strategy, pricing, supply chain and innovation.

The SKU Accelerator program was founded in 2011 by Shari Wynne Ressler and serial entrepreneur Clayton Christopher, founder of Sweet Leaf Tea and Deep Eddy Vodka. Entrepreneurs who are interested in participating can apply here.

“The SKU curriculum has been outstanding, and we have had in-depth and practical teaching on all aspects of business and brand building,” SKU alumni Kacey Witte, co-founder of Growth Spurt, a goat milk toddler formula. “We are so grateful for our mentors. We can’t believe the wisdom and knowledge they have in the CPG industry. They have worked with us to develop our business and have helped us position the company for massive opportunity and scale.”

One of the most valuable components of SKU is its elite community of mentors: successful CPG founders, subject-matter experts and investors. The SKU mentor community includes the inventor of the pumpkin scone, the director of emerging brands for 7-Eleven and a top investor in the pet industry.

After the cohort is selected, SKU assembles a hand-picked team of mentors which guides each brand’s founders throughout the course. They work together, pooling their expertise to provide invaluable guidance to help founders successfully scale their brands.

In addition to the rewards that come from helping founders achieve their potential, mentors benefit from the experience of working side by side with their peers, expanding their business network and building long-term friendships.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to take what I’ve learned working on massive mature brands and share my learnings with early-stage CPG startup founders to help their brands grow,” says Alexander Ames, director of Content and Creative Excellence at the Coca-Cola Co.

SKU is looking for accomplished CPG rock stars who have an interest in mentoring the next generation of CPG founders. Those interested can fill out the Mentor Interest Form and SKU will schedule an interview.

Over the past decade, SKU has worked with more than 100 alumni, including a variety of innovative and successful brands, including EPIC Provisions, Siete, DUDE Wipes and Seaweed Bath Co.

Source: SKU