Breaking into big box retail is tough for emerging CPG brands. That’s why we were excited to see our 2024 roundup of accelerator programs become our most-read blog post of last year.
This 2025 update includes new timelines, links, and programs from major retailers like Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Sephora, Ulta, and others. This year also brought a wave of new independent accelerators designed to fuel growth outside the retail giants.
If you’re building an emerging brand, it’s worth exploring how these programs can provide capital, visibility, and expert support.
Target continues to support emerging brands through its Accelerators Learning Center, an open-access hub with retail readiness curriculum and case studies. Founders can also submit a Supplier Intake Form to be considered for Target’s Forward Founders and Takeoff programs.
Walmart’s flagship pitch event for emerging brands is set to take place in October 2025, bringing hundreds of suppliers to Bentonville to pitch their products directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club buyers. The event remains one of the most impactful ways for small brands to break into mass retail, with many past participants securing shelf space or launching exclusive partnerships.
The complementary Grow With Us program supports selected brands with training, early payment tools, and digital onboarding. Applications for 2025 are now closed, but similar timing is expected for 2026.
In partnership with SEED SPOT and Walmart.org’s Center for Racial Equity, this 10-week accelerator supports emerging CPG brands led by underrepresented founders. The program includes mentorship, sales training, supply chain coaching, and funding readiness.
Whole Foods Market continues its support of emerging natural and organic brands through the LEAP Early Growth cohort. This 12-week program includes mentorship, distribution guidance, and the opportunity for shelf placement and investment.
Now in its 10th year, Sephora Accelerate supports a cohort of BIPOC-founded beauty brands with a six-month curriculum covering brand strategy, investment readiness, product development, and merchandising support.
Ulta’s MUSE Accelerator empowers early-stage beauty brands founded by people of color. Each participant receives a $50K grant, industry mentorship, and potential access to Ulta’s merchandising network.
Launched in partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), this cohort-based program is designed to support diverse, market-ready CPG entrepreneurs. The 2025 program includes mentorship from Kroger professionals, a capability statement review, and a live virtual pitch competition with a $10,000 award.
Not every great accelerator comes from a big-box retailer. These independent and ecosystem-driven programs offer capital, visibility, or deep functional support for emerging CPG brands looking to grow and scale outside of traditional retail partnerships.
SKU’s 12-week programs offer hands-on mentorship from CPG investors, operators, and serial entrepreneurs. Companies in the program receive expert guidance in exchange for a small equity stake and join a strong alumni and mentor network. Notable alumni of the program include Siete Foods (acquired by PepsiCo) and DudeWipes.
Launched in August 2025, 5WPR’s CPG Brand Accelerator helps early-stage consumer brands build awareness, drive demand, and secure retail partnerships. The program combines PR, digital strategy, and founder storytelling into campaigns tailored for product launches and retail growth.
A 12-week accelerator supporting early-stage, mission-driven CPG brands with mentorship, strategy sessions, and a strong founder community.
A 10-week accelerator in Northeast Tennessee designed to help emerging CPG businesses scale. The program provides mentorship in finance, marketing, distribution, and fundraising.
Not an accelerator per se, but a great opportunity for exposure, support, and validation. Finalists receive offers from service partners, plus the chance for added media and retail support.
We’ll continue to share updates on new accelerators and application dates as 2026 and beyond come into focus. If you’re preparing for retail expansion, reach out to learn how Lunr can help you access capital and scale.