CONSUMER GOODS
ACCELERATOR
NORTHEAST TENNESSEE
The Consumer Goods Accelerator is an intensive 10-week program designed to help emerging CPG companies grow.
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Serving the Cookeville/Upper Cumberland, Knoxville, and Tri-Cities regions
Key Info:
Application Deadline: April 18
Launch: May 4
Cost: $1,000*
*Payment schedules and scholarship options can be provided on a case-by-case basis, so if you are interested please apply regardless of cost.
Building and growing a consumer-packaged product looks different today than even a few years ago. With an increasing amount of innovation and competition in the space, having direct knowledge and connections in the industry is critical to long-term success.
The Consumer Goods Accelerator is designed to help emerging consumer-packaged good brands rapidly expand their growth. The program is led by Proof's team of industry experts joined by a range of specialists and experienced entrepreneurs who can provide invaluable insight and connections. The intensive program covers a spectrum of areas, including (but not limited to): finance, operations, marketing, distribution, fundraising, and growth planning.
Partners
This program wouldn't be possible without the support from entrepreneur centers in the Northeast TN region.
How It Works
Weekly Group
Sessions
The cohort connects virtually twice a week (60-90 minutes each) to hear from industry experts and dig deep into discussion
Weekly 1:1
Coaching
Proof’s team dedicates a minimum of 1 hour each week to coach and focus on your company’s specific needs
Strategic
Connections
We bring strategic connections to the table that companies need to grow, including distribution and capital
Content
Our group sessions will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons virtually
Focus on the Finances
Unit Economics
Financial Modeling and Forecasting
The Costs of Wholesale & Co-Packing
All Things Branding & Marketing
Brand Strategy
Product Packaging and Design
Social Media Marketing
Building Distribution Channels
E-Commerce Operations
E-Commerce Sales Strategy
Wholesale and Retail Expansion
Growth Strategy
Pitching for Investment
Finding Your Funding
Scaling Production & Infrastructure
Please note content is subject to change based on overall needs of the cohort
Here is what our alumni say.
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LoAdebar
Canada
“We had access to experts in the different areas of business who mentored us one-on-one and equipped us with a roadmap to take our business to the next level. It was definitely worth taking the time off from working IN my business to work more closely ON the business and I would encourage every entrepreneur to do the same.”
Postre Caramel
Asheville, NC
"Proof's in-house team, combined with contributors from around the country with so many diverse backgrounds, means you will engage weekly with experts who can help you move the needle on your growth curve in a profound way. Opportunities like this don't come around everyday."
Sequatchie Cove Creamery
Sequatchie, TN
“I knew very quickly that the work the accelerator program was setting out to do was exactly what we needed, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Alms + Fare
Jacksonville, FL
"The most incredible part was that they worked with us one on one for our specific business needs. For us in particular, they helped us make the connections we needed to build wholesale relationships by connecting us with companies in the food and beverage industry."
Alchemy Spice
Chattanooga, TN
“We heard from experts who had really valuable insights and knowledge about each area of our business. Speakers covered a range of topics and let us dive into the weeds, so to speak, asking critical questions that we used to make real-time decisions to build our business.”
Support Network
Our network of strategic partners and industry specialists provide invaluable insights and connections to companies who participate. Below are a few of many partners who have invested in our programs, and we actively expand our network to meet the needs of individual companies.
About Proof
Proof is an accelerator, incubator, and bar based in Chattanooga, TN. Founded and led by food and beverage industry veterans, the mission of Proof is to support owners and operators in the industry through programs, resources, and community.
Collectively the Proof team has 50+ years of experience, with expertise ranging from management training to operations to marketing (and more). To date, Proof has accelerated 60 companies through its programs.
Learn more about Proof at proofincubator.com.