Meet Target Forward Founders 2025

At the intersection of aspiration and opportunity, a new wave of founders is shaping the future of retail. Joining us from valued partners the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) and The Hatchery Chicago, Target Accelerators is thrilled to welcome nearly 30 trailblazing brands into the Target Forward Founders program. 

These brands epitomize innovation, resilience and community-driven purpose and over the next eight weeks, will embark on an immersive journey designed to unlock the complexities of mass retail. From packaging and merchandising strategy to supply chain fundamentals and marketing, the Target Forward Founders curriculum is thoughtfully designed to empower each participant with actionable knowledge, dedicated resources and a supportive network. Representing a variety of product offerings including chickpea-based granola and ready-to-eat Loa cuisine, it’s clear these small businesses are changemakers in their respective categories.  

More on the 24 brands chosen for this year’s Forward Founders cohort, below. 

Hamkke Home is a modern tableware brand creating heirloom-quality ceramics that transform everyday routines into meaningful rituals of gathering, connection and beauty. 

Moonbeans makes it easier to eat your beans, with chickpea granola made from beans, not oats, with organic ingredients like chickpeas, chia seeds and flaxseed. 

MsPs’GFree specializes in nutritious gluten-free snacks, with a focus on gluten‑free granola. 

BAKIT BOX is a STEM-inspired baking activity kit that combines global recipes with hands-on science, art and cultural learning to help families connect, create and explore the world together.   

Dar Baklava strives to make the world a better place by bringing community and Middle Eastern food culture in snackable formats for everyday consumption. 

Symphony Foods delivers nutrient-dense, allergen-free sorghum snacks that combine clean-label nutrition, bold flavor and sustainable sourcing – all created for modern families.  

Lowtide Goods specializes in dainties, delectable bite-sized nut-meringues that are unexpectedly addicting, satisfyingly nutty and naturally gluten and dairy free.   

Gifted Breads is a women-owned artisan bakery crafting gluten-free breads with better-for-you ingredients that taste just like traditional bread. 

Nikki’s Ginger Tea provides products that have the highest quality with varieties of fourteen different flavors of all natural ginger teas and lemonades.   

Soothsayer Hot Sauce makes award-winning, small batch hot sauce with a punk rock flair. 

The Candidly Speaking is a Black-owned greeting card and stationary company featuring heartfelt and comedic messages for every occasion. 

Kobi makes deodorant for active kids, intentionally designed for their more sensitive skin.  

Eat Vegan Art brings more sustainable meals to the table with vegan broths and cheeses. 

Good Cakes and Bakes features gourmet-baked goods made with love and intention. 

Baobab Fare offers a taste of modern East African hospitality and heritage through recipes passed down through generations.   

Minky Snacks offers protein-packed mini muffins made with clean ingredients.  

Flavr Cookies is a one-of-a-kind bakery where you can choose from community-created flavors or build your own for a crave-worthy experience.  

Twisted Eggroll is a bold frozen food brand that reimagines the classic eggroll with globally inspired flavors and a modern twist. 

Render Goods focuses on sustainably sourced dishtowels and home goods made from recycled and biodegradable materials. 

Zaikadelic specializes in real, small-batch ghee with bold flavors for modern kitchens. 

MIDICIO (Made in Detroit, Created in Oakland) is a community-inspired home decor company committed to designing inspiring, hand-crafted pieces to elevate your home experience.  

Lord Laird’s Lemonade is a handcrafted, organic beverage crafted with aloe vera and raw honey, offering a refreshing and healthier alternative to traditional drinks.   

Steepers Only is a woman-owned business based in Chicago that offers custom-blended artisan teas fortified with antioxidants and vitamins. 

Laos To Your House is the nation’s only Lao food manufacturer, bringing authentic, ready-to-eat Lao cuisine from Chicago kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. 

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