A new accelerator program geared toward boosting sustainability that counts Cincinnati giant Kroger Co. among its backers officially has its first cohort.
This week, Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub unveiled the eight organizations participating in SustainableCincy, a six-week, virtual program designed to improve sustainability in Cincinnati and beyond. The program will culminate in a pitch contest, with the winner set to receive funding.
Those participating include:
- B the Keeper: Provides residential and corporate landscaping services to create native, pollinator-friendly environments.
- Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub: Offers a "one-stop shop" for recycling and material reclamation, making it easier for all residents to participate.
- Last Mile Food Rescue: Redirects excess food that otherwise would be wasted to community partners.
- Naturally Homegrown Co.: Delivers fresh, local produce to underserved communities through a subscription model.
- Transmissions LLC: Software product that helps event producers plan and coordinate their resources to reduce the environmental impact of their events.
- Our Harvest Co-op: Maintains largest farm in Cincinnati along with other sites to support a food hub and delivery services.
- Urban Farming Initiative: Aims to provide resources to help residents convert unused spaces into urban farms.
- Swrm: An app that lets users track their daily carbon footprint.
SustainableCincy began accepting applications for its first cohort in July. The program is a collaboration of Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, Cintrifuse, HCDC Inc. and Flywheel.
As part of the program, participants will have access to mentorship from more than 20 experienced business professionals and educational content from over 35 contributors to clarify their business model, develop a path to scale and implement funding strategies for growth, according to a release.
