Join Takeoff - Target Accelerators

2023 Categories:

Baby and Toddler, Food and Beverage, Health and Personal Care, Household Essentials, Pets

Objectives:

Prepare for long-term success on mass retail shelves by:

Understanding key elements for growth
Making powerful connections to industry-disrupting founders, peers and Target team members
Solidifying your brand identity through branding and marketing
Learning to grow your team, finances and capabilities to scale

Outcome:

Know what steps to take next to scale your business and achieve your goals for growth
Leave with a stronger retail pitch
Build sharper skills as a CPG leader

key details.

Take a look at the program info to learn what to expect.

programming.

6-week virtual accelerator program
Category specific
Sessions from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT Monday - Friday
Requires about 10 - 15 hours per week

participation.

10 companies will be accepted per cohort
Up to 2 members of each company can join, 1 must be the founder
During all 6 weeks, at least one member needs to attend all required sessions

financials.

Free to accepted participants
Each company is given a $5,000 stipend

the criteria.

We’re looking for future-shapers of all kinds, but there are a few important things we want to see from all program applicants. Final selections will also be made based on team, assortment, innovation pipeline, traction and potential for growth.

A founder must be 18+
Must have an LLC, B-Corp, S-Corp or other registered entity (sole proprietorships are not allowed)
Must currently be selling a physical product
Cannot be a current or prior vendor with Target
Must be a consumer packaged goods (CPG) company with success on a small retail scale, ready to build toward mass retail
Brand falls into an identified category (Baby and Toddler, Food and Beverage, Health and Personal Care, Household Essentials, Pets)
Product must demonstrate existing traction in the market, such as social media engagement, revenue growth or a growing customer base

Note: Meeting all criteria does not guarantee acceptance into a Target Accelerators program. Acceptance does not guarantee business with Target.

curriculum.

Each week you dive deep into relevant retail topics during group working sessions and one-on-one meetings. Learn from experts, get executive mentorship and receive tangible feedback about your business. Then, end the program by participating in a pitch event with Target team members and external Target partners.

week

1

Intro to Target

week

2

Brand Strategy
and Marketing

week

3

Supply Chain:
Manufacturing,
Transportation,
and Logistics

week

4

Building Teams
and Amplifying
Advocates

week

5

Funding Your
Growth

week

6

Pitch Event

application
resources.

Before you apply, check out these helpful resources to make your application stand out.

Application Tips & Tricks: Telling Your Story In Essay Questions

Join Target Accelerators Director Justine Savarin as she shares tips and tricks to answering the essay questions on your application for either Target Takeoff or Target Forward Founders.

Your Guide to Apply

Put your strongest application forward with these tips.

Retail Key Terms

Learn everyday key terms used when it comes to retail.

2023
schedule.

We are no longer accepting applications for Target Takeoff 2023 cohorts.

Target Takeoff Food and Beverage

Program dates:
May 1, 2023 – June 9, 2023

What products are included:

Food and Beverage
Bakery, Beverages, Candy, Dairy, Dry/Pantry, Fresh/Produce, Frozen, Meat, Meat Alternatives, Seafood, Snacks, Other

Target Takeoff Essentials

Program dates:
October 16, 2023 – December 1, 2023

What products are included:

Baby and Toddler
Bath and Potty, Car Seats, Clothing, Diapers, Gear and Activity, Health and Safety, Nursery, Nursing and Feeding, Shoes, Strollers, Toys, Other

Health and Personal Care
Vitamins and Supplements, Medicines and Treatments, First Aid, Nutrion and Weight Management, Personal Care, Sexual Health, Feminine Products, Allergy and Sinus, Cough, Cold and Flu, Eye Care, Home Health Care, Incontinence, Foot Care, Ear Care, Genetic and Wellness Tests, Scrubs, Oral Care, Hand Soap and Sanitizers, Deodorant and Antiperspirant, Hair Removal and Shave, Men’s Grooming, Cotton Balls, Pads and Swabs, Other

Household Essentials

Air Fresheners, Cleaning Supplies, Dish Detergents, Food Storage Bags and Containers, Hand Soap and Sanitizers, Insect and Pest Control, Laundry Care, Paper and Plastic Products, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Trash Bags, Other

Pets
Beds and Furniture, Food/Treats, Supplies, Technology, Toys, Healthcare/Supplements, Other

The magic of Target Takeoff is that it really pulls back the curtain. Those deep-dive conversations about the building blocks for scaling have been a game-changer.

Niambi Cacchioli
Founder & Lead Formulator, Pholk Beauty

From Q1 to Q2 we saw a 1,300% growth!

Cora Miller
Co-Founder, Young King Haircare
Target Takeoff Alumni

The company we were before Target Takeoff and the company that we are now after Target Takeoff, completely night and day.

Lisa Frame
Co-Founder and CEO, Bippy
Target Takeoff Alumni