the trade show program for BIPOC leaders in food & beverage CPG

COHORT 1 DETAILS

Free virtual programming focused on education and preparation for optimal trade show exhibition beginning January 9, 2023 until March 6, 2023
Access to 1:1 mentorship, networking with industry experts and advisors to prepare brands for trade show success
1:1 mentorship and best practices guidance from CPG industry experts
Fellowship and experience cross-pollination from (included)’s national peer community through (included)’s free and active Slack channel

Free sponsored in-person trade show exhibition space in the (included) pavilion at Natural Products Expo West (Mar 7-11, 2023 in Anaheim, CA), including a branded 3ft counter top (valued at $10,000+)
4 Free all-access badges to trade show (valued at $5,480)
1 Free Hotel Room near Anaheim Convention Center for duration of Expo West (valued at $3,000+)
1 Free submission to NEXTY Awards (valued at $195)
Speaking engagement(s) at Expo West education sessions
PR and content features across New Hope Network and Specialty Food Association platforms
Networking opportunities and happy hours with press & investment groups

VIRTUAL EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING:
- At least 1 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 1 founder MUST BE available to travel and exhibit at the culminating trade show, and stay for the entire length of the show (March 7-11). Any no-shows will result in forfeit of future (included)-sponsored opportunities, expulsion from the (included) community, and re-entry will be evaluated by the board of advisors.
- 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 and lodging arrangements and any additional costs.

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 $50k, and no more than $2 million. If selected for Cohort 1, 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 founder must be able to attend and participate for the entire duration of Expo West (March 7-11) in Anaheim, California
You must be able to provide product samples for 3 days of trade show exhibition at Expo West
Your brand must adhere to the New Hope standards policies and complete the standards approval process. These are in place to help preserve the integrity and meaning of the terms “natural” and “organic” and restrict use of specific ingredients deemed unsafe.