Mentor-In-Residence, CPG & Emerging Retail Brand Accelerator (Northeast Ohio)

Position Type: Contract
Location: Remote, based in Northeast Ohio preferred
Commitment: 4–6 hours weekly, 11 weeks (October 1st – December 18th 2026)
Stipend: $2,000

About the Program:
The SEED SPOT CPG & Emerging Retail Brand Accelerator supports early-stage consumer packaged goods founders with the network, education, and resources to move from concept to retail-ready venture in ten weeks. This cohort includes a dedicated group of midwest founders, developed in partnership with Burton D. Morgan Foundation to strengthen the region’s CPG entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program leverages SEED SPOT’s national mentor network and CPG expertise to help founders reach retail shelves faster and with greater staying power.

About the Role:
To support the ventures accepted into the 10-week program, SEED SPOT seeks a Mentor-In-Residence (MIR) with deep CPG and retail expertise, ideally with direct ties to the Northeast Ohio business community. The MIR will work closely with founders throughout the program, offering strategic guidance on retail readiness, supply chain, pricing, and go-to-market strategy. This role requires a background in CPG, retail, or consumer brand building, along with strong experience mentoring or advising early-stage founders. A Northeast Ohio-based mentor is strongly preferred, given this cohort’s focus on building lasting regional ecosystem connections.

As the Mentor-In-Residence with the SEED SPOT CPG & Emerging Retail Brand Accelerator, you will:

Mentorship and Office Hours: Provide 2–3 hours of weekly individualized mentorship to founders, addressing key areas such as supplier readiness, business model development, pricing strategy, branding, and go-to-market execution.

Industry Expertise and Connections: Join our twice-weekly virtual sessions and supplement the accelerator curriculum with hands-on CPG and retail expertise. Leverage your network, including Northeast Ohio retail, distribution, and supplier contacts, to connect founders with experts who support curriculum topics.

Networking and Community Building: Help build a supportive, collaborative cohort environment by attending and inviting 3–5 industry experts from your network to the program’s Venture Thursday pitch practice sessions and Pitch Showcase, where founders receive critical feedback. Help strengthen ties between the cohort and the broader Northeast Ohio entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Qualifications:

• Industry expertise: 5+ years of experience in CPG, retail, or consumer brand entrepreneurship
• Mentorship experience: Demonstrated experience mentoring or advising early-stage founders, ideally in an accelerator or venture-building program
• Networked in the field: Strong connections in the CPG/retail industry, ideally including Northeast Ohio-based retailers, distributors, co-manufacturers, or investors
• Effective communicator and coach: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen, encourage, and provide constructive feedback to founders
• Passion for regional impact: A commitment to supporting underrepresented founders and strengthening the Northeast Ohio entrepreneurial ecosystem