Fueling Growth for Women Entrepreneurs

Fueling Growth for Women Entrepreneurs: WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025

The WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025, in partnership with Kroger, is now accepting applications. This cohort-style virtual accelerator empowers WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) in the retail and grocery space, offering education, mentorship, pitching opportunities, and a chance to secure both funding and a pilot partnership with a major retailer. Applications are open August 1 through August 15, 2025, with the accelerator running from September 11 to October 17, 2025.

What You’ll Gain

• Educational Sessions: Live virtual training led by Kroger experts on pitching, marketing, and presenting to category managers.

• 1-on-1 Mentor Match: Personalized mentorship with a Kroger professional to fine-tune your strategy and approach.

• Capability Review: Access to Kroger's supplier diversity professionals and buyers who may consider participants for pilot contracts (selection based on fit and readiness).

• Live Virtual Pitch Competition: Present your business before a panel—one winner receives a $10,000 grant, plus potential pilot partnership opportunities.

Important Dates & Timeline

Additionally, there’s a virtual kickoff education session on July 31, 2025, from 2:00–3:30 PM ET, open to interested applicants.

Who Should Apply?

Eligibility includes:

• WBENC-Certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) status is required.

• Ownership: Must be a women-owned, product-based business, with market-ready products (no concepts or prototypes).

• Commitment: Full participation in all program sessions and competition rounds.

• Application: Submit a 60-second elevator pitch video along with your application.

Why It Matters

This initiative is more than a grant—it's a springboard for growth and industry connections:

1. Real Industry Exposure: Directly presents your business to Kroger buyers and supplier teams.

2. Financial Upside: Compete for a $10,000 award to scale operations or enhance product development.

3. Mentorship Advantage: Personalized guidance from Kroger professionals can shape strategic partnerships.

4. Pilot Partnership Potential: Selected participants may earn a chance to test their product in a major retailer.

5. Structured, Time-Bound Program: Short, intensive execution path helps stay focused and results-driven.

Final Takeaways

The WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025 is an invaluable opportunity for certified women entrepreneurs to refine their pitch, gain insider mentorship, and potentially secure both funding and a pilot partnership with Kroger.

• Apply Between: August 1–15, 2025

• Accelerator Runs: September 11–October 17, 2025

• Must Be: WBENC-certified women-led, market-ready product businesses