SKU, an accelerator for consumer packaged goods (CPGs), announced six companies that will participate in the upcoming track of the Minneapolis program, ImpactSKU '21, which kicked off June 1. Each was selected based on the basis of product innovation, market traction, and the passion of founders.
The newest cohort’s companies are Ancient Provisions, Breathe 99, Chiki Chiki Boom Boom, Harmony Cricket Farm, Maazah, and KiZE.
This second track follows last year’s 8-week ImpactSKU Preview - a shortened virtual program created when COVID-19 forced a pivot. The ImpactSKU program is a collaboration between Minneapolis-based FINNOVATION Lab and Austin-based SKU, which is the nation’s first CPG accelerator celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year. Since it was founded, more than 80 companies have completed the program in four cities where SKU runs programs.
The 12-week program kicks off June 1 and runs through late August. It offers a best-in-class curriculum taught by the nation's top CPG industry experts on topics ranging from supply chain to e-commerce strategy.
Over the course of 12 weeks, the founders will participate in a proven program that combines the best-in-class CPG curriculum with mentoring. The program culminates in a showcase pitch event in September, which provides founders with a chance to present their brands to a wide audience of CPG leaders and investors.
Past cohort members, like Mostly Made, have found immense value from the program, from mentorship to industry connections.
Founders are guided through the program by a specially selected team of mentors including CPG executives, investors, and serial entrepreneurs who are laser-focused on helping founders grow their businesses and achieve their potential. ImpactSKU’s mentor community is a who’s who in the CPG industry from some of the most successful consumer-product companies in the Twin Cities and beyond.
ImpactSKU is for purpose-driven ventures with business models that support environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, ethical supply chains, and healthy communities. By focusing on social impact, the program aims to support entrepreneurs who know that long-term growth is based on business practices that protect the planet’s resources and nurture wellbeing for everyone. The accelerator uses the UN's 17 sustainable development goals, and 5 P's - people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnerships - to help us define a purpose-driven company.
