SKU, the nation's first consumer-packaged goods (CPG) accelerator, is launching programs in Austin and Atlanta in early 2022. The Austin '22 cohort will kick off in January and run through April. The first cohort of SKU Atlanta will run from February through May.
If you are the founder of a brand looking to scale your business, we invite you to Apply Here. Companies do not need to be based in Austin or Atlanta.
If you are an experienced CPG leader who enjoys sharing your expertise with founders of emerging brands, we would love to talk with you about mentoring for SKU. SKU mentors are a who's who in the CPG industry - executives, serial entrepreneurs and investors who love to accelerate the growth of emerging brands. Please email us at mentors@SKU.is.
About the programs:
Both tracks are 12 weeks long, culminating in a Showcase pitch event.
The curriculum covers topics important to CPG startups, including Mission + Vision, Branding, Channel Strategy, Supply Chain and Innovation.
Each brand is supported by a team of powerhouse mentors.
Ideal candidates are market-validated companies with passionate founders and innovative products in a hot category.
Participating companies receive $20,000 at the end of the program.
SKU will be hosting a Company Info Session Sept. 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. CT and a Mentor Info Session Sept. 29 from 12 to 1 p.m. CT to share details about both the Austin and Atlanta cohorts.
SKU companies have produced more than 1,200 products generating a combined $2 billion in revenues and creating more than 2,500 jobs. SKU alumni include such CPG success stories as EPIC Provisions, Siete Foods and DUDE Products.
“SKU came at the perfect time for us," says Kayla Castañeda, co-founder of Agua Bonita. who participated in the Austin '21 cohort. "Nearly every problem we were facing, there was a mentor to help support us through to finding the solution, all while being cheerleaders along the process. There’s a saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and for most entrepreneurs your business is your child, and SKU can be that village.”
About Greg Fleishman
Greg Fleishman starts, nurtures, & funds Better-for-You CPG Brands that help make the world healthier as Co-Founder/CEO @foodstirs with Sarah Michelle Gellar | Founder @purelyrighteous, a top venture studio | Co-Founder @uptogoodenergy | Co-Founder @eatunion | Board Director for Lily's Sweets (exited to Hershey’s June 2021), Once Upon a Farm with Jennifer Garner, 4th & Heart Ghee, Nuun Hydration (exited to Nestle June 2021), & Demeter Biodynamic Farming USA | Venture Partner, Springdale Ventures | Operating Partner, Cambridge SPG VC | Operating Partner, Whipstitch Capital Investment Bank + Angel/LP Investor | Ex-Kashi, Kellogg, Coca-Cola | Forbes Top Consumer Catalyst | Visit Fata & Fleishman CPG Mentorship, a free support platform for early-stage entrepreneurs & investors.
About Mike Fata
Mike Fata co-founded Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods in 1998. From 1998 to 2016, he ran all aspects of the company as Chairman of the Board and CEO. In February 2019 Mike helped guide the strategic sale of Manitoba Harvest to Tilray for $419 million dollars.
Mike is currently Chief Executive Officer of Fata & Associates, Chairman of Fata Family Ventures, Chairman of the Board of Sol Cuisine (VEG.TSXV), and investor/advisor to a portfolio of companies (including Om Mushrooms, Mid Day Squares, Love Good Fats, Good Cap Pharma)
