It can be difficult for specialty food makers to raise capital and get their products in front of customers; however, retailers and large brands are working to uplift emerging brands, including those that are local, and/or made by diverse leaders, including BIPOC+-, LGBTQIA+, women-, and veteran-owned brands. Following are some industry opportunities for which food makers can apply.
Hy-Vee Opportunity Summit
Hy-vee is inviting local, minority and women-owned businesses to apply for the chance to showcase their food or beverage products during a pitch competition that will take place in Madison, Wisconsin on June 1. A panel of judges will select one winner who will receive a business grant of $30,000. Contestants can also win $5,000 in their respective categories. Brands can apply here before May 10, 2023.
Los Angeles Opportunity
Original Farmers Market in L.A. is hosting the New Originals Pop-up Contest, a competition to find its next merchant. Specialty food business owners are invited to enter to win a spot in the market, rent-free for three months and $7,500. Brands can apply here before April 26.
PepsiCo Launches Hispanic-Owned Brand Accelerator
PepsiCo launched the Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) Edition, which focuses on driving the growth of emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage businesses. Ten winners will receive $20,000 in grant funding and the opportunity to participate in a six-month business program. At the end of the program, the winning company will receive an additional $100,000 in funding. Applications can be accessed here and close on May 15.
Related: PepsiCo Launches Hispanic-Owned Brand Accelerator; Diversity Buying 101: Q&A With UNFI's Rodriques