Gopuff has launched a small business accelerator program to help entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups and empower them to grow their businesses. The Put Me On program was developed in partnership with the online retailer and NBA All-Star Chris Paul. The first cohort of participants were selected together by Paul and Gopuff, and Paul will serve as a program ambassador, providing time, resources, and connections to participants.
“I’ve always had a strong passion for supporting entrepreneurs and bringing healthier foods and products to underserved communities,” said Paul, in a statement. “Sharing in this mission and collaborating with Gopuff takes this work to the next level. Gopuff’s rapidly growing following and ability to add products to its platform immediately - and deliver to the hands of customers in minutes - is an invaluable resource for brands, and I’m looking forward to unlocking that further for the underrepresented entrepreneurs who need it most through ‘Put Me On.’”
The first group of participants for the Put Me On program include:
• A Dozen Cousins, maker of ready-to-eat rice and beans that are inspired by traditional Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American recipes.
• Cards for All People, a toys and games company that creates fun, laugh out loud products.
• Cool Cat Wine Spritzers, which makes a line of low-calorie wine spritzers that are naturally flavored and gluten-free.
• Donata Skinfood, which offers all natural vegan personal care products.
• French Toast Bites Ale, a beverage which captures the delicious flavors of the popular Philadelphia street food, French Toast Bites.
• Me & the Bees Lemonade, which comes in five flavors and is all-natural, sweetened with honey, and contains flax seed for added nutritional benefits.
• MUMGRY, which handcrafts nutritious and delicious nut butters.
• Pipcorn, which makes better-for-you versions of classic salty snacks from their non-GMO certified heirloom corn.
Participants will take part in a six-month program designed to raise awareness of their respective brands through Gopuff’s platform while providing them with impactful tools and resources to help support and grow their businesses.
“As first-time entrepreneurs, my fellow co-counder Rafael and I know firsthand how impactful mentorship and community is in developing and growing a successful business,” said Yakir Gola, co-founder and co-CEO of Gopuff, in a statement. “Chris Paul has dedicated his time off and on the court to support entrepreneurs and we are excited to work with him to help aspiring entrepreneurs grow their businesses and reach new customers."
Related: Gopuff Raises Additional $1 Billion; Gopuff Offers Prepared Food.
Image: Gopuff