WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025

Deadline: Aug 15, 2025

other

5 weeks (duration)

partially funded

To Apply

Please visit the application link below to apply.

Opportunity Overview

📖 About WBENC Industry Accelerator Program

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), in collaboration with Kroger, is launching an exciting Industry Accelerator Program this fall, running from September 11 through October 17, 2025. This cohort-style accelerator program offers:

Education sessions
Mentoring opportunities
Pitching sessions
And more!

Participants will gain valuable insights and resources to grow their businesses through this dynamic program.

📅 Opportunity Details

Date Published: August 06, 2025
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Category: Entrepreneurs, Training

🎯 Program Benefits

The program will culminate in a LIVE virtual pitch competition featuring all cohort participants. One business owner will have the opportunity to receive $10,000 in funding.

✅ WBENC Industry Accelerator Program Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Ownership: Applicant must be the owner of the company.
Elevator Pitch: Submitted pitch videos must be 60 seconds or less. Videos exceeding this limit will not be accepted, and the application must be resubmitted.
Business Solution: The pitch video must feature an existing business solution that is currently ready for market or already in the market—not a future endeavor requiring investment.
Representative: If the company has multiple owners, only one representative may apply and participate in all program components.
Vendor Registration: The company must be registered in Kroger's vendor management system, Supplier Hub, prior to application submission.
Notification: Cohort participants will be notified of acceptance into the program no later than September 1, 2025.

📋 Application Date and Process

Applications are open until August 15, 2025.
The application must be completed in its entirety and cannot be saved or returned to at a later time.

To apply, visit the WBENC Industry Accelerator Program application portal.

🏆 Benefits for Participants

Once accepted into the cohort, participants will:

Attend a series of virtual sessions led by Kroger team members on topics such as business pitching, presenting to a category manager, marketing tips, and more.
Be matched with a Kroger mentor for a 1:1 discussion during the program.
Have their capability statements reviewed by Kroger supplier diversity professionals and buyers for consideration to pilot a contract with Kroger.
(Note: This opportunity is based on specific criteria, vendor capabilities, and Kroger sourcing needs. It does not guarantee a contract will be awarded.)

📅 Key Dates

Program Duration: September 11 – October 17, 2025
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: September 1, 2025

🌐 Contact Information

For more details, visit the WBENC Industry Accelerator Program page.

This program is sponsored by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) in partnership with Kroger. Don't miss this opportunity to accelerate your business growth!

Benefits

The program will culminate with a LIVE virtual pitch competition featuring all cohort participants, and an opportunity for one business owner to receive $10,000 in funding.

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