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Applications Open for 2 Target Accelerators Programs

The cavalcade of Target Accelerators programs marches on. If you’re looking to boost your food and beverage or retail business, we’ve got the applications and info for you. Check them out (details courtesy of Target).

Target Takeoff Food & Beverage

Applications close on April 11, 2022

The Target Takeoff Food & Beverage program is a 5-week accelerator program made for mature consumer product good companies curious to learn and ready to scale their product into mass retail stores, with special interest in Target. In Takeoff Food & Beverage, participants will learn the secrets for success in Target, collaborate with an incredible team of mentors and end the program pitching to buyers.

Throughout each week of the program, sessions will be a mixture of founder firesides, educational workshops, and 1-on-1s with Target Accelerators Program Team.

  • Your company sells products that are one of the following categories: bakery, bar or drink mixers, beverages, candy, dairy, dry foods/pantry, fresh/produce, frozen, meat and meat alternatives, seafood, snacks, and other
  • Alcoholic beverages or CBD-based products will not be considered for program participation
  • Must have an LLC, C-Corp, B-Corp, S-Corp or other registered entity
    (note: Target Accelerators does not accept sole-proprietorships.)
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must currently have a physical product that is currently available to sell
  • Products demonstrate solving for a unique problem or addressing an underrepresented consumer by having existing traction in the market proven by social media engagement, revenue growth, growing customer base
  • Must be available for all five weeks of program
    (Note: program dates are July 11 – August 12 typically from 9a-1p CST)
  • Cannot be a current or prior vendor with Target

You can start your application here.

Target Forward Founders

Applications close on March 21, 2022

The Target Forward Founders program is an 8-week accelerator program perfect for Early-stage consumer product good companies looking to learn how to take the next step toward retail readiness.

The program utilizes Target’s privilege to democratize access, education and resources to equip historically under resourced founders to be the next wave of generational wealth building companies. Throughout the program, participants will learn information such as product/market fit, understanding their consumer, retail financials, raising capital, retail packaging, pitching, and more. Participants will gain access to industry leading data, mental wellness resources, and more.

  • Open to all product categories available at Target except car seats, shoes, strollers, books, movies, music, video games, bath, bedding, furniture, heating, cooling, air quality, home appliances, kitchen and dining; see the full list
  • Must have an LLC, C-Corp, B-Corp, S-Corp or other registered entity
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must currently have a physical product that is available to sell
  • Must have the desire to sell products in mass retail one day
  • Must sell directly to consumer online, in specialty store or have limited brick and mortar presence (<20 stores)
  • Ideally have less than 6 employees
  • Ideally have lifetime revenue of $5,000 – $500,000
  • Must not be a current vendor at Target
  • Ideally you have limited/no manufacturing and supply chain capabilities

You can start your application here.

Alex Skjong
Alex oversees the content produced for BETA, Twin Cities Startup Week, and tech.mn. When he’s not writing or editing, there’s a good chance he’s enjoying a refreshing brew and explaining the merits of heavy metal (of which there are many).