Introducing Target Forward Founders Cohort 5

The Target Accelerators team is excited to introduce the fifth cohort of the Target Forward Founders program. This program is built to equip historically under resourced founders to become the next wave of generational wealth building companies, by utilizing Target’s size and scale to democratize access, education, and resources.  

As Target Forward Founders participants, our fifth cohort will experience an immersive 10-week program that provides tailored education, essential tools, and invaluable connections to guide them through the process of scaling their retail business. Representing a variety of product categories spanning from food and beverage to personal care, home essentials, health and beauty, the Target Accelerators team is thrilled to present this exceptional group of brands as the program launches October 3. Ready to meet the wildly talented group that’s sure to make waves? More, below:  

Baby and Toddler 

Aarin & Co. is a mom-founded children’s brand transforming the world of children’s hair care through their innovative satin-lined accessories that allow you to start caring for your child’s hair right from birth. 

The Clever Baby is creating clever baby products for parents and magical moments for babies and kids. 

Beauty 

Ascension is a vegan skincare company rooted in physical and spiritual wellness. 

IGL Nails Press-On Fashion is a nailbed size-inclusive brand that encourages women to take back their time and Never Have Fugly Nails. 

AQUA Waterproof Headwear is a patented line of innovative, soft and breathable 100% waterproof turbans and headwraps designed to protect hair in style. 

On Point Beauty is a hair care line focused on illuminating natural beauty by delivering hydration through vitamins, essential oils, and proteins, whose mission is to illuminate their Glow-Getter’s – those who ignite their family, communities, professions, and passions, and embrace their naturally fierce confidence to be fearlessly On Point. 

ShampooTime specializes in creating high quality products to reinvent the shampoo day process. Their mission: No more tears and stress-free wash days. 

SOSHE Beauty makes high performance, refillable makeup you wear on repeat.  

SWAIR creates time-saving haircare for people who work out. Formulated with clean ingredients, their game-changing Showerless Shampoo helps your hair go from sweaty to ready in five minutes or less. 

Food and Beverage 

Abisola Whiskey is a whiskey that drinks above its age and is here to represent and celebrate the modern-day whiskey drinker.  

Aruba’s Halal Kitchen (AHK) is breaking the barrier between halal food requirements and the convenience of American-style microwavable dinners. AHK provides delicious frozen ready-to-eat meals to the 3 million overlooked halal food consumers in America.  

Bebe’s All Natural Masalas features lip-smacking masalas (sauces) that are a perfect blend of spices that make your life easier and your food delicious 

Cálido was born to elevate Latin culture and introduce U.S. consumers to new, authentic, delicious, and healthy foods.  

Confusion Snacks is an ethnic fusion brand that celebrates their South Asian-American identity through guilt-free, unconventional and aunty-approved snacks like their Black Truffle Masala, Chili Chaat and Mint Chaat popcorn. 

Eunice Foods is a Caribbean-owned company dedicated to bringing the flavors of the Caribbean to your kitchen. Their extensive range of spices, seasonings, food and beverages are all carefully curated to provide the authentic taste of the Caribbean.  

Josu is a new brand of flavored salts inspired by Korean and Asian cuisines making Asian flavors easy but, in the world’s oldest condiment.   http://bebesallnatural.com/ 

Mocktails for Mommy was created during the height of the pandemic to provide a safe and more health-conscious way to enjoy a cocktail but without the harsh effects of alcohol, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.  

Proletas makes health fun, with a protein ice cream bar designed to deliver the nutrients your body needs at the time when it wants them most.  

Soul Grain takes the flavors of the Black Diaspora and brings them to your granola bowl! They use spices and flavors from North Africa and the Caribbean, with flavors that feature a healthy twist on iconic Soul Food dishes such as Sweet Potato Casserole and Banana Pudding.  

Stellar Granola is a superfood sprinkle, a delicious snack and a guilt-free indulgence. Their granola is balanced, not too sweet and not too salty with crave-able flavors that can be enjoyed morning, afternoon and night. 

TATU Protein provides protein with a purpose. Their mission is to create a family of high-protein, functional foods and beverages made from healthy and simple ingredients.  

Health and Personal Care 

Funk It Wellness pioneers a new era in hormone health, providing menstrual and hormone support through wholesome, food-based supplements while educating to eliminate stigma.  

TryWell is a Black-owned and Black-centered health and wellness brand developed specifically to address the glaring nutritional shortfalls often faced by people of color, specifically African Americans.   

Home 

Hustle & Hope is the first motivational 2-in-1 greeting card company to embed free downloadable guides, that help anyone level-up in their career, mindset, and spirit, in every moment in life.  

Your DreamWall offers vision board collection kits that represent a new era of vision boarding.  

Pets 

Pupper Cup is dairy-free dog ice cream (and cakes) brand that’s sold in stores or scooped directly from their pop-up cart around NYC.  

Toys and Entertainment 

Fam Foolery is on a mission to change the way the world thinks about games, leveraging the power of play and education to bridge collaboration, community and cultural competence. 

Liberated Young is a culturally empowered education company, with learning products that affirm, empower, and represent Black children and families.  

Mubarak Paper Co. offers fun, high quality, kid-centered gift wrap and specialty products that help create a more festive and memorable Ramadan and Eid season for kids and young adults. 

Smart Girls HQ facilitates exciting and impactful experiences that promote STEM Career Literacy through content, products and technology. 

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