MINNESOTA'S FIRST PURPOSE-DRIVEN CONSUMER PRODUCTS ACCELERATOR

ImpactSKU ’21

Twin Cities-based ImpactSKU program will kick off its 2021 cohort in June to accelerate the growth of purpose-driven consumer-product (CPG) startups. By focusing on social impact, the program aims to support entrepreneurs who know that long-term growth is based on business practices that protect the planet’s resources and nurture wellbeing for everyone.

ImpactSKU surrounds founders  with talented industry experts, investors and serial entrepreneurs. Throughout the program, founders will be guided by a team of mentors who are laser-focused on helping them grow their businesses. SKU’s mentor community is a who’s who in the CPG industry, including the founders and top executives of some of the most successful consumer product companies in the Twin Cities and beyond.

We are looking for products that are more than just a better-for-you alternative or eco-friendly packaging. We are looking for brands that have woven social impact into their business model. We use the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals, and 5 P’s – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnerships – to help us determine a purpose-driven company.

This year’s full 12-week program follows last year’s 8-week ImpactSKU Preview. The Preview was a shortened virtual program created when COVID-19 led us to pivot.

“I learned high-level information on everything from sales to distribution channels, and it benefited Coconut Whisk by enabling us to make smarter decisions as we scale,” said Bella Lam, founder and CEO of Coconut Whisk, a Preview alumni. “My absolute favorite part of the program was meeting the fellow CPG founders and the network we’ve gained.”

ImpactSKU is a collaboration between Minneapolis-based FINNOVATION Lab and Austin-based SKU, the nation’s first CPG accelerator.

About the Program

ImpactSKU ’21 surrounds founders with talented industry experts, investors, and serial entrepreneurs in exchange for a small equity stake in each company. In addition, a cash bonus of up to $20,000 is available upon completion of the program. ImpactSKU is looking for startups with annual revenues between $100K to $1 million.

Virtual or In-Person?

Program curriculum will take place virtually, but we hope to do in-person events if possible.. While this track is based in Minneapolis, MN, are are accepting  applications from companies across the midwest and US!

Program Timeline

Applications will close March 31th (apply here). The SKU Crew will conduct virtual interviews with finalists the week of April 19th and select 5-6 companies to participate. The 12-week program will run from June 1st- August 31st with our final showcase event happening in September. Classes will take place weekly on Tuesdays. We will take a week off for the fourth of July as well as for our First Look Forum, an opportunity for companies to pitch to a small group of CPG leaders and investors.

Ideal Applicants

We are seeking innovative, impact-driven consumer packaged goods companies with market validated products and revenues between $100K and $1 million in revenue with market-validated products to apply to our program. Reach out to maddie@sku.is for more information!

Please join us for upcoming Information Sessions,

FINNOVATION Lab encourages the expansion of economic equity and opportunity by supporting entrepreneurs who build business models that positively impact people, communities, and the environment.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Learn about the benefits of supporting purpose-driven consumer products startups.

Are you a CPG entrepreneur?

Learn about the value ImpactSKU can bring to your consumer products startup. Preview begins August 4th, 2020.

Mentor Opportunities

ImpactSKU differs other incubators and accelerators because mentorship goes deep.