WBENC and Kroger have teamed up to offer a unique Industry Accelerator program this autumn, running from September 11 to October 17. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Industry Accelerator | Kroger Feeding Growth Opportunities is a collaborative accelerator program designed to support entrepreneurs. This program includes educational sessions, mentorship opportunities, pitching events, and other valuable resources.
Check Also:Oando Foundation Empowers Nigerian Youth with Green Youth Upskilling Program for Climate-Smart Jobs
Participants accepted into this engaging Industry Accelerator, presented by Kroger, will have the opportunity to take part in a specialized program with two extra educational sessions. Upon acceptance, participants in the cohort will have the chance to:
-
- Attend a series of virtual sessions led by Kroger team members on a variety of topics such as business pitching, presenting to a category manager, marketing tips, and more.
- Be matched with a Kroger mentor for a 1:1 discussion to occur during the program.
- Have their capability statements reviewed by Kroger supplier diversity professionals and buyers for consideration to pilot a contract with Kroger. (This opportunity is based upon specific criteria, vendor capabilities, and Kroger sourcing needs, and does not guarantee a contract will be awarded).
Eligibility
-
- Applicant must be an owner of the company.
- Elevator pitch videos submitted in the application are limited to 60 seconds. Any videos longer than 60 seconds will not be accepted, and the application must be resubmitted.
- The business solution featured in the application pitch video must be an existing business solution that is currently ready for market or already in market, not a future endeavor in need of investment.
- If the company has more than one owner, only one representative may apply and pitch/participate in all program components.
- The company is registered in Kroger’s vendor management system, Supplier Hub prior to application submission.
- Cohort participants will be notified of acceptance into the program no later than 9/1/25.
Benefit
- The program will culminate with a LIVE virtual pitch competition featuring all cohort participants, and an opportunity for one business owner to receive $10,000 in funding.
See Also:Youth Ecoprenuer Program (YECO) 2025 For Young Green Entrepreneurs
Application Closing Date:15th August, 2025.
lzgn41
Comment awaiting moderation.