International grocery store chain Whole Foods Market is seeking applications for an accelerator program that will provide local food brands with education and mentorship opportunities to help them grow their business, according to representatives of the company.
Whole Foods Market's Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP) was established in 2022. The program's Early Growth cohort will feature 10 innovative food brands not yet sold in stores, according to representatives of Whole Food Markets.
Meanwhile, the program's On the Verge cohort features another 10 brands that are currently carried in stores and are "poised for growth." The participants of the 2024 On the Verge cohort were recently announced and include Moku, a Los-Angeles based brand with a founder from Hawaii, according to representatives of Whole Foods Market.
“Whole Foods Market deeply values the connections to local and emerging brands, enriched by the LEAP program,” said Alyssa Vescio, senior vice president of merchandising at Whole Foods Market, in a written statement. “By equipping emerging brands with the necessary tools, education and access, we’re not just fostering their growth – we’re cultivating a dynamic platform for creativity, innovation and positive change that resonates with our purpose to nourish people and the planet.”
Participants selected for the Early Growth cohort will participate in a 12-week educational curriculum. Once that education is complete, the brands will be considered for placement on shelves at stores in their home area. Participants of the program are also considered for a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund managed by the Austin Community Foundation, according to representatives of Whole Foods Market.
Whole Foods Market started in 1980 with a single store in Austin, Texas, according to the company's website. Today, there are more than 500 retail and non-retail locations in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.
Businesses applying for the LEAP Early Growth accelerator program must meet Whole Foods Market's business requirements, including liability insurance, production in a certified commercial facility and transparent sourcing practices.
Applications for the Early Growth cohort are due April 19. Final interviews will take place in June, with the cohort announced in July, according to Whole Foods Market's website. To apply, go here.
