The data* is clear: despite consumers shopping and supporting minority-owned brands, most venture-backed founders are non-minority; the barrier to entry for diverse founders is too high.
Naturally Network’s Minority-Owned Fellowship, powered by NIQ, is a program built to support the success of racially and ethnically underrepresented business CPG founders.
Meet the
Fellowship
Naturally Network’s Minority-Owned Fellowship is a 12-week program built to support and advocate for racially and ethnically underrepresented, early-stage founders in the natural and organic CPG industry. The program brings together resources, tools, and community, facilitating access to opportunities and success for Fellows in the program.
Meet the 2023 M/O Fellows
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Meet the 2023 M/O Fellows 〰️
“We applied for the Fellowship because we felt that it would help us access and find the tools we need to become successful business owners. We also wanted to meet and know more business owners who are just starting out. We wanted to be challenged to think in different ways so we can better anticipate future hurdles and face them with confidence when the time comes.”
- Zach and Delisa Harper, Minority-Owned Fellowship Austin Fellows, Funky Mello founders and recent KeHe Golden Ticket recipients
What to expect:
A facilitated 12-week program with learning and networking opportunities
A virtual weekly class on essential business foundations
A weekly, facilitated fireside chat and networking opportunities with industry leaders and founders.
Fellow-to-Fellow pairing for additional support within the cohort
Complimentary 2024 Expo West badge
A tabletop showcase to meet retailers, investors, and supporters at Expo West the week of March 12
2022-2023 FELLOWSHIP IMPACT REPORT
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2022-2023 FELLOWSHIP IMPACT REPORT 〰️
“The fellowship helps foster diversity and empower minority-owned businesses to reach long-term success. We are proud to serve as the main sponsor of the national Minority-Owned Fellowship and support diversity in the CPG industry.”
- Kymberly Graham, VP, Head of Commercial DEI, NIQ
Support the Fellows
The partners of Naturally Network’s Minority-Owned Fellowship are some of the nation’s most progressive and inclusive companies, led by leaders who are intent on creating and fostering more diverse communities. These companies are passionate about being a part of a real and lasting change in the industry.
Program supporters empower Naturally Network to operate the program and also have the option to allocate a portion of their financial support to go to a pool of grant funds. These grant funds will be evenly awarded to the companies in the cohort to support access and their success at Expo West.