No, we are not a traditional incubator that nurtures a business idea. We only work with companies that have an established product and/or service with customers.
Target Accelerators does not invest in companies. We do provide a $5,000 stipend to cover program expenses.
We offer 2 programs annually: Target Takeoff and Target Forward Founders. Each program conducts 2 cohorts per year. Visit each program's page to learn more and see the latest schedule.
Please see our Program page for a quick comparison.
Thank you! Please reach out here.
No way. Curriculums and programs are curated by our Target team so founders get as much access to our insider knowledge as possible.
1. Any company is eligible to apply, so long as [1] they are a U.S. registered legal entity (LLC, S-Corp, B-Corp or C-Corp) and [2] they have proof of initial traction (social media engagement, revenue growth or growing customer base). See our Programs page for more details on which program might be right for you.
2. Founders must be at least 18 years of age to apply.
3. Each company must have at least one founder participate in the program. One co-founder or team member may also participate.
No, Target Accelerators is not currently accepting companies that are located internationally. We invite you to sign up for emails to be notified about future programs that fit your business.
Target Takeoff and Target Forward Founders accept physical products only.
Yes. Please see our Programs page to determine which program fits you best.
Unfortunately, we may not have a program for your product category this year. We invite you to sign up for emails to be notified about future programs that fit your business.
It is mandatory for at least one participant per company to attend every session.
No. We have one application for both programs and while our team will decide which program fits your business best, we invite you to indicate program preference. With that in mind, we recommend visiting the Target Takeoff and Target Forward Founders program pages to understand which program may be the right fit.
Yes.
Please visit the Target Takeoff and Target Forward Founders program pages for more specific category details.
Target Forward Founders currently accepts 30 companies per cohort and Target Takeoff currently accepts 10 companies per cohort.
Our application is hosted on Submittable. We recommend that you reach out to their customer service team.
You will receive a notification from Submittable that our team has received your application.
Please give our team about two months from the application close date to review your application. We will contact you with next steps after that point.
Target Accelerators offers one annual application period. Sign up for emails to be notified when next year’s application opens.
No, certifications are not part of our criteria. Businesses with and without certifications have a lot to offer, so we accept both.
Congrats on expanding your portfolio! We recommend that you apply for the category you want to focus on during the program. If you have more questions, please email accelerators@target.com.
Absolutely. Please apply as many times as it takes. Often, companies get accepted on their second or third try.
In your next application, be sure to showcase the growth you've made between application periods.
Nope, it has no impact.
You bet. Please visit Submittable Help for more information.
No, your idea is yours to keep. We’re just here to help you along your journey toward growth and success.
Yes, our expectation is that at least one founder from your company would participate for the full duration of the program.
Two people can participate and one must be the founder.
Not necessarily. By applying and/or participating in any Target Accelerators program, it’s not guaranteed that Target will carry your product, service or technology. Viability for Target stores will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
No. We’ve intentionally designed the program to be flexible enough to let you participate without disrupting your business operations at your home base. This program will be 100% virtual.
It’s possible. We’re looking for promising founders and businesses across many categories and like any other retailer, Target carries an assortment of competitive brands to tailor to our guests’ unique, ever-changing needs. We’ll always protect your proprietary, private and confidential information. We’ll never force you to share information with the other members of the cohort.
The Target Forward Founders program is designed to be after most working hours (5 – 8pm CST Tuesday and Wednesday evenings) and flexible to your schedule. The Target Takeoff program has sessions Monday – Thursday between 10am – 1pm CST
Throughout the program, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Target leaders and team members, as well as industry experts who may be within or outside of your category.
No, selling at brick-and-mortar stores is not part of our criteria.
Your application will be evaluated by our team for which single program, Target Forward Founders or Target Takeoff, fits your business best. If you participate in Target Forward Founders, once you have completed the program, we encourage you to apply to future programs to be considered for Target Takeoff. Our goal is for our Target Forward Founders alumni to grow their businesses and qualify for Target Takeoff. Brands Huppy and Sugardoh have accomplished just that.
