2023 applications are now closed.
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2023 Categories:
Baby and Toddler, Beauty, Food and Beverage, Health and Personal Care, Household Essentials, Pets, Toys and Entertainment
Objectives:
Prepare for long-term success on retail shelves by:
Outcome:
Take a look at the program info to learn what to expect.
We’re looking for future-shapers of all kinds, but there are a few important things that we want to see from applicants. Final selections will also be made based on team, assortment, innovation pipeline, traction and potential for growth.
Note: Meeting all criteria does not guarantee acceptance into a Target Accelerators program. Acceptance does not guarantee business with Target.
Each week you’ll dive deep into relevant retail topics during group working sessions and one-on-one meetings. Learn from experts, get mentorship and receive thoughtful feedback. Attend optional office hours on Thursdays to meet with Founder in Resident mentors, speakers and program managers.
End the program by gaining feedback on your company during a Buyer Coaching Session. Plus, leave with a Retail Action Plan, a custom guided plan on how to prepare your business for retail.
Welcome + How to Leverage Founder and Brand Uniqueness
Growing Direct to Consumer + Retail 101
Leveraging Data for Decisions
Go to Market Strategy: Marketing Planning
Work
Week
Brand Proposition
for Retail
Manufacturing
and Supply Chain
Talking to
Retailers + Retail
Financials
Retail Financials +
Funding for Retail
Retail
Resources +
Close Out
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.
We are no longer accepting applications for Target Forward Founders 2023 cohorts.
Program dates:
April 25, 2023 – June 29, 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
Food and Beverage
Bakery, Beverages, Candy, Dairy, Dry/Pantry, Fresh/Produce, Frozen, Meat, Meat Alternatives, Seafood, Snacks, 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
Toys and Entertainment
Dolls and Dollhouses, Dress Up and Pretend Play, Kids’ Crafts, Learning Toys, Outdoor Toys, Riding Toys, Scooters and Hoverboards, Baby Toys, Action Figures and Playsets, Building Sets and Blocks, Fidget Toys, STEM Toys, Stuffed Animals, Vehicles and Remote Control, Games, Puzzles, Board Games, Other
Program dates:
October 3, 2023 – December 14, 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
Beauty
Makeup, Skin Care, Nails, Bath and Body, Fragrances, Hair Care, Hair Color, Hair Tools, Hair Accessories, Spa and Massage, Sun Care and Tanning, Tools, 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
Toys and Entertainment
Dolls and Dollhouses, Dress Up and Pretend Play, Kids’ Crafts, Learning Toys, Outdoor Toys, Riding Toys, Scooters and Hoverboards, Baby Toys, Action Figures and Playsets, Building Sets and Blocks, Fidget Toys, STEM Toys, Stuffed Animals, Vehicles and Remote Control, Games, Puzzles, Board Games, Other
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