Made for Retail Chicago -

Made for Retail Chicago

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Deadline:
July 2, 2026

Workshop Dates:
August 4–25, 2026

Pitch Competition:
August 27, 2026

APPLY HERE

An Opportunity to Pitch Your CPG Products to Retail Buyers and win Nondilutive Capital

SEED SPOT has partnered with Greenwood Archer Capital (GAC) to launch Made for Retail Chicago— a CPG pitch competition and accelerator experience connecting Chicago-area consumer product founders with nondilutive capital, retail buyers, and the tools to get there. The program is designed for businesses in Chicago, Cook County and the surrounding Collar Counties that are positioned for near-term growth but face persistent barriers to capital access and mass retail entry, with a particular emphasis on those business owners from undercapitalized communities.

SEED SPOT, a nationally recognized entrepreneurship accelerator, and Greenwood Archer Capital (GAC), a nonprofit CDFI with a deep pipeline of capital-ready retail founders across Chicago's South and West Sides, bring complementary expertise in founder preparation, capital access, and ecosystem activation. The support founders receive goes beyond a pitch stage and into what comes next.

What to Expect

Compete Live in Chicago

on August 27th, 2026

Five selected founders will pitch live to a panel of retail buyers, capital providers, and industry judges.
All pitching founders receive real-time feedback from buyers and Chicago ecosystem stakeholders.
Top three founders receive nondilutive cash grants totaling $25,000.
Ten additional founders will be invited to participate in an on-site marketplace following the pitch competition.
Founders selected for the cohort commit to at least 15 hours of participation across the program, attending a minimum of 6 virtual sessions and joining the community in person at the August 27 pitch competition in Chicago. This is where the real growth happens.

Prep Workshops

Hosted by SEED SPOT and GAC

In-person program kick-off in July.
Virtual eight sessions running August 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, and 25 to cover topics ranging from supplier checklists and capital readiness to pitch practice and PR & Marketing.
1:1 coaching and access to SEED SPOT's national mentor network of 400+ active mentors.
Prep workshops: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 12:00–1:00 PM CT

Program Outcomes

5 Founders

Selected for the cohort

$25,000

Nondilutive cash grants

10 Brands

Participate in the marketplace

Bringing the glow to Chicago! Ashunta Sheriff Beauty is breaking barriers in the beauty industry with inclusive, high-quality makeup for all skin tones. Vegan, cruelty-free, and clean beauty.

Ashunta Sheriff-Kendrick is a renowned celebrity makeup artist with over two decades of experience in the beauty industry.

Ashunta Sheriff, Founder of Ashunta Beauty and Alumna

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is for brands that

Are headquartered in Chicago, Cook County, or surrounding Collar counties
Have been in operation for at least one year with recorded operating income
Have recurring monthly revenue and active sales channels beyond direct sales only
Are seeking nondilutive capital to fuel near-term growth tied to clear business and product milestones
Are ready to pitch to retail buyers and take their brand to the next level

Priority consideration is given to

Founders from historically undercapitalized communities

Get Involved!

We’re excited to support entrepreneurs on their journey to Made for Retail Chicago. Here’s how you can participate:

Apply by July 2, 2026: If you’re a brand ready to take your business to the next level, apply today! Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis, so get it in early!

Together, we can bring more mission-driven and locally made products to mainstream retail and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs. Join us for Made for Retail Chicago and take the next step in growing your brand!

APPLY HERE