BeyondSKU, a leading accelerator for consumer-packaged goods, is accepting applications from CPG companies for its fall cohort. The ideal applicants are innovative, market-validated food, beverage and wellness brands in hot categories with passionate founders.

Interested brand leaders should apply here before June 15.

“Building on the continued success of Austin’s 18 tracks, we are excited to kick off BeyondSKU Track 4 this September,” says Eric Schnell, founder and chief executive officer of BeyondBrands. “I am proud our New York-focused accelerator plays a key role in growing our local entrepreneurial community of small brands to become household names, while leveraging the collective wisdom of our diverse talented group of seasoned CPG veterans who lean in deep with mentorship and networking.”

SKU, based in Austin, Texas, is the nation’s first CPG accelerator. Since it was founded in 2011, more than 120 brands have gone through the program, including such success stories as Epic Provisions, Siete and DUDE Wipes. BeyondSKU—a partnership between SKU and BeyondBrands, a natural products consultancy—launched in 2019.

Classes in Manhattan  are scheduled from Sept. 26 through Dec. 12. On Jan. 19, the founders will present their pitches to an audience of investors, CPG leaders and successful veteran founders. BeyondSKU’s curriculum covers topics important to CPG startups, including Mission + Vision, Branding, Investment, Legal, Channel Strategy, Supply Chain and Innovation.

One of the most valuable components of SKU is its elite community of mentors from some of the most successful consumer product companies, as well as successful CPG founders, subject-matter experts and investors. Every SKU founder is surrounded by a hand-picked team of mentors focused on helping them scale their businesses as they proceed through the program.

In addition to the rewards of working with founders, mentors benefit from the experience of working side by side with their peers. If you are a CPG leader who is interested in mentoring for BeyondSKU, please email [email protected] to schedule an interview.

"BeyondSKU provided us with an incredible opportunity to refine our brand, perfect our pitch and build an incredible network of industry veterans,” said Paul Majcherczyk, co-founder of Fabalish. “In addition to the excellent coursework, we were assigned a team of dedicated mentors that gave us hands-on support in building our business and strategy. It has enabled us to take a big step forward as a brand." For more information or to apply, visit BeyondSKU.

Source: BeyondSKU