Start or grow a business for good.
Retail Brand Accelerator

Emerging Brand Accelerator Chicago

Prepare your brand for retail readiness

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications Open on August 3, 2026

Priority Consideration Deadline:
August 31 2026

Final Application Deadline:
October 5th, 2026

Program Dates:
October 19th - November 9th, 2026

Virtual 8 - week accelerator for emerging, Chicago-area product brands

Emerging Brand Accelerator Chicago provides tailored education, mentorship, and resources that prepare diverse founders to break through and succeed in retail. Ultimately, we aim to leverage the power of business ownership to build a more inclusive and equitable economy. 

This intensive Hybrid 8-week accelerator is designed for early-stage brands in revenue looking to scale into retail. Participants will refine their sales presentations and processes, increase their inventory and supply chain capacities, build a stand-out brand identity, and be guided through retailer compliance requirements. The program includes a series of virtual workshops and 1:1 tailored mentoring aligned to the supplier criteria required by retailers.

Key Program Outcomes

Preparation to Grow

  • Hone sales presentations and collateral. 
  • Build a roadmap for sales and growth within a market.
  • Identify your target customer to inform a strategy. 
  • Get ready for the holiday season sales.

Capacity Gains

  • Structure your growth and scale goals into an achievable strategic plan. 
  • Explore manufacturing options and learn when to scale fulfillment capabilities and efficiencies.  
  • Refine your branding and positioning. 
  • Complete the Demand Capacity Checklist. 

Network Building

  • Build your network of industry experts.  
  • A dedicated Mentor in Residence with entrepreneurial expertise is available for 1:1 coaching. 
  • Receive mentoring from a customized team of seasoned mentors with retail-specific expertise.
  • Gain lifetime alumni benefits such as mentorship, funding resources, and legal support.

Business Leadership

  • Master your financial projections. 
  • Build business skills that match your industry & product expertise. 
  • Become an expert storyteller who motivates and compels others.

Alumni Outcomes

SEED SPOT alumni ventures have achieved extraordinary success over the past 10 years!

$447M

Revenue Generated

$229M

Funding Raised

11K

Jobs Created

84%

Underrepresented Founder

Southeastern Roastery serves more than just coffee—it supports regenerative agriculture and promotes sustainability. This coffee is the solution for conscious consumers seeking to make an impact while indulging in delicious, high-quality, and creative coffee.

 - Candy Schibli, founder of Southeastern Roastery

emerging Brand accelerator. Picture by Joanne S. Lawton

Program Snapshot

Weekly Agenda

  • Group training sessions on Tuesday & Thursday, 12:00-1:00 pm CT
  • Pitch coaching with mentors 
  • Tailored mentorship for your business
  • Office hours with industry experts
  • Independent assignments for business growth
  • Work 1:1 with dedicated mentors who believe in your mission

Learning Topics

  • Brand Strategy & Positioning: 360-degree planning that provides tools, support, and resources needed to support growth into retail.
  • Retail Selling Environment: Training from cross-functional retail experts (established brands, retail buyers, and distributors) on what is required to successfully launch, grow, and thrive in a national, omnichannel retail environment.
  • Supply Chain, Manufacturing & Logistics: Deep dive into production, packaging, and the supply chain management capabilities needed for retail.
  • Building Team: Strategies for building teams and advocates that support scale.
  • Budgeting, Costs of Goods, and Funding Projections: A critical module on financial planning, developing an expense roadmap, and raising capital.
  • Sales Presentations: Opportunities to practice your pitch directly to key stakeholders in preparation for buyer pitching.

Who is this Program For?

Emerging Brands

Retail Products

Chicago CPG Founders

The Emerging Brand Accelerator Chicago is designed for Chicago-area CPG founders who have already demonstrated traction and are ready to take their brand to the next level. Traction looks different for every founder; it can be consistent sales, strong customer validation, or a tested prototype with solid manufacturing practices.

This program could be the right fit if you are:

      • Generating $25,000 or more in annual revenue and ready to scale
      • Producing a product at home with steady sales and ready to move into a manufacturing facility
      • Working with a validated prototype and strong manufacturing practices and ready to grow your sales channels
      • Headquartered in Chicago, Cook County

Let's talk about your venture!

Norquist_Linda_SEED-SPOT_SST25-1

Linda Norquist, SEED SPOT Marketing and Recruitment Manager, to discuss the program's fit for your unique business needs!