💫 Special Edition: Calling all Creative and Innovative CPG Founders to Apply Now for Target's Accelerators 2023 Programs

​This is a special edition of Lolita's Newsletter, a bi-weekly newsletter of curated actionable insights and resources for underestimated founders, funders, and friends.

​I’m excited to share this special edition newsletter in collaboration with the Target Accelerators team because they care about our community and want to support underestimated and underrepresented founders in their success! - Lolita Taub

​​​A Note from the Target's Accelerators 2023 Programs team

​Calling all innovative entrepreneurs (like you)! Target Accelerators is currently accepting applications for its 2023 programs. The premiere accelerator for retail startups, Target Accelerators offers full-spectrum support to innovative, creative founders and consumer packaged goods (CPG) startups, which includes curated education, personalized resources and connection to industry-leading retail leaders, mentors and partners that could forever shape the future of your business – no strings attached.  

​More about Target Accelerator programs:

• ​The Target Takeoff program is a six-week virtual program for CPG companies ready to grow their business and scale their products for mass retail shelves. During Target Takeoff, you’ll score details about the key requirements to grow for mass retail, connect with Target team members, industry-disrupting founders, and prospective capability-expanding partners. Plus, you’ll spend time solidifying your pitch. Participants will also receive a $5,000 stipend.

• ​The Target Forward Founders program is a ten-week virtual program for early-stage CPG companies looking to learn and understand the next steps toward retail readiness. Get connected to Target team members, innovative founders, and other cohort members while gaining access to one-of-a-kind retail resources and partnerships. Participants receive a $5,000 stipend.

​More inspiration, right this way: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Target’s purpose, and for decades, Target’s taken the steps to build strong partnerships with diverse suppliers and underrepresented businesses. Through Target Accelerators, they're committed to partnering with even more diverse-owned businesses – and using Target’s scale and influence to help drive meaningful change across the retail industry. There’s little doubt that being an entrepreneur is fulfilling, but the journey can also be full of challenges as you navigate being your own boss and build something from scratch. But, you’re not alone: Target Accelerators programs are expertly tailored to your needs and business, and is proven to help founders reach success in mass retail. 
Take a look at some of the Latina-owned companies that are Target Accelerators alumni: 

• ​LUNA MAGIC (Target Takeoff Beauty 2021): Currently available at Target, this indie beauty and lifestyle brand was founded by Afro-Latina and Dominican-American sisters Mabel and Shaira Frías. By combining their passions for beauty and lifestyle, they created a vibrant brand that celebrates their mutual love for their multicultural heritage, Latin culture and music.

• ​Josefa (Forward Founders Cohort 2): Featuring a hallmark product – cajeta, a perfectly sweet and balanced goat’s milk caramel – Josefa spreads delicious joy (literally!). Proudly crafted in Mexico with all-natural ingredients, the cajeta is inspired by founder Sofia Hernandez’s 90-year-old family recipe.

• ​Nopalera (Takeoff Beauty 2022): Vegan and cruelty-free, this luxury bath and body brand was founded by California native Sandra Velasquez. Sold at mass retailers including Nordstrom, Nopalera takes its name from the nopal cactus, one of the most sustainable, nourishing, and versatile plants in the world.

​Make your application stand out: Ready to apply? Before you submit, take a spin through this guide with tips to help your application stand out. But act fast – the deadline to apply for 2023 programs is Feb. 3rd. Any last lingering questions? Sign up here to attend Target’s Ask Me Anything webinar on Jan. 26 at 12 p.m. central. It’s a chance for you to get answers to your questions and hear application advice straight from the Target Accelerators team.

​​Disclaimer: This is a sponsored edition of Lolita's Newsletter, and we encourage you to do your own research before choosing accelerator programs.