Booths supermarket, have launched the Booths Accelerator, a new mentorship programme to help aspiring Food and Drink Businesses.
In celebration of their 175th year in business, Booths launched the scheme earlier this week at the Fine Food Show North event in Harrogate, and will offer a tailored programme of support to help grow, develop and sustain a food and drink business of the future.
The Accelerator programme will see Booths invest via mentorship, product and retail expertise, market access and targeted funding to help one brand to achieve the next stage of their growth plans.
Booths Managing Director Nigel Murray said: “Getting a new product to market or an idea into production is a challenge. This initiative is set to change that, it’s our way of giving back, by sharing our insights, experience, and tactical investment to help the next generation of food businesses.
Booths will invest in both funds and expertise to help an emerging food brand to take them to the next level. Their team will offer one business a tailored 12-month package of support, including a retail listing at Booths, technical/NPD/manufacturing advice, marketing and packaging design advice, brand strategy, regulatory advice, industry and market insight, finance, planning and logistics advice, personal mentorship and financial investment.
Nigel continues: “The purpose of the initiative is to encourage new and emerging food and drinks businesses to flourish, and while only one business will receive the ultimate support package, through the application process you may find your product gains a listing at Booths or you’ll receive valuable feedback and advice on how to get your product to market.”
Applications are open now until August 31st, with the shortlisting process starting in September and selected entrants invited to pitch to the Booths Executive in October.
The announcement of the successful business will be made on 1st December with programme of review and investment commencing in January.
For more information on how to apply for the scheme visit www.booths.co.uk or contact the Booths team on accelerator@booths.co.uk