Being an entrepreneur is super fulfilling but also incredibly challenging. Thankfully, there are dozens of support groups that have come together on various platforms to help each other out.
We have compiled a list of the top 60 online communities whose sole purpose is to share stories, network, ask questions, be a shoulder to cry on, and provide the help you need to thrive.
This list has groups dedicated to startup CPG, general startup, and other sectors. It makes sense to join any of them that you can contribute too and get assistance from. AI Researchers & Enthusiasts is not focused on CPG but presents an outstanding forum to learn what is going with this technology and how is can be applied to CPG.
Final note, you get as much as you give in these groups. Plan to invest your time and energy into being an engaged member in order to get the most out of them.
Our personal favorite is Club CPG started by the legendary Jaime Schmidt and Chris Cantino, founders of Schmidt personal care company that exited to Unilever. This community is a one-stop-shop for all things CPG with a wonderfully engaged community that asks and answers any question that comes up. It's for everyone in the CPG ecosystem from founders to retailers and investors. It also contains quite a few resources including access to fundraising, trend reports, and latest business building tactics.
***Note: Scroll through this Airtable to see all columns and rows. Best viewed on Desk or Laptop computer.
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)
