Shipt delivery service, acquired by Target in 2017, is opening applications for its eight-week accelerator program to Tampa businesses for the first time.
The second annual program, called LadderUp, seeks to boost small businesses through education and mentorship. It’s the first time Tampa has been included in the list, as well as the first time Florida has been included. Applications are now open and will close Feb. 16.
“If you’re thinking of applying to LadderUp, just do it. It’s a great opportunity to really dive into your e-commerce platform and see how you can grow your business even further in the virtual world,” Jessica Watts, owner of Alabama-based House Plant Collective, said in a statement. Watts participated in the 2023 inaugural class of LadderUp.
The 2024 program begins April 16 and will be a series of virtual classes. There will be an interview process for prospective applicants, and those who apply will be notified by March. A one-time $5,000 stipend will be distributed when applicants complete the accelerator.
Applications are available only to brick-and-mortar companies working in the grocery, beverage, floral, gifts or health and beauty location space. Eight other cities are included in this year’s applicant pool: Birmingham, Alabama; Boston; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; Detroit; Houston; Miami/Fort Lauderdale; and Minneapolis.
The founder and CEO of Shipt previously said Tampa Bay had proven to be a “game-changing market” for the Birmingham-based company. At the time, it also expanded its services to deliver alcohol.
“The demand for grocery delivery was so high that we had to hire hundreds of additional shoppers,” CEO Bill Smith said in a statement.
