The trade show program for BIPOC CPG brands in food & beverage

COHORT 2 DETAILS

Free virtual programming focused on education and preparation for optimal trade show exhibition
Access to 1:1 mentorship and networking with industry experts and advisors
Join (included)’s national peer community of 100+ BIPOC CEOs, including an active Slack channel

Free sponsored trade show exhibition space in the (included) pavilion at Natural Products EXPO EAST (Sept 20-23, 2023 in Philadelphia, PA), including a customized 10′ x 10′ booth and branded 3′ countertop display, to be located in a featured (included) pavilion on the main show floor (valued at $10,000+)
6 complimentary exhibitor badges to trade show (valued at $7,440)
1 Free Standard Hotel Room near Philadelphia Convention Center for duration of Expo East (valued at $3,000+)
PR and promotional content features across New Hope Network platforms
Networking and fellowship opportunities with industry community, national press & investment groups

VIRTUAL EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING:
- At least 1 BIPOC founder MUST be available to participate in virtual programming and education sessions. 1 additional member of the participating company may also join.
- Virtual session attendance is required.
TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION:
- At least one BIPOC founder or CEO of the company MUST BE available to travel to, exhibit at, and stay for the entire duration of Expo East (Sept 20-23, 2023 in Philadelphia, PA), including both the trade show and additional activities after the trade show floor closes, which typically means being present from at least 8 AM until 9 PM for all three days. Any no-shows, late arrivals or early departures will weaken our ability to provide these resources and the future and thus will result in forfeit of future (included)-sponsored opportunities and expulsion from the (included) community. Re-entry will be evaluated by (included)’s leadership team.
- For trade show exhibition, brands are responsible for investing in their own branded sales and marketing materials, all product samples and accompanying sampleware necessary for displaying and demoing products onsite.
- Cohort brands are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.

Must be a member of (included). Application here
Your company is BIPOC-owned (at least 51%); verification required
The CEO is of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and/or Middle Eastern descent
You must be 18 years or older by December 31, 2022
Your company is based in the United States or Canada
Your company must be an LLC, C-Corp, B-Corp, S-Corp or other registered entity.
Your company has not raised more than $500k in outside capital from any source, excepting capital contributions from the founder or active founding team.
Your company’s trailing 12 month gross revenue is at minimum $50,000 and no more than $2 million. If selected, you are able to share your company P&L for verification.
Your company officers consent to a potential background and/or reference check.
Your company has not been a prior exhibitor on the Main Show Floor at NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO EAST or WEST, including prior ACCESS Cohorts.