For Those with Emerging Latino-Owned Food and Beverage Businesses, There’s a New Accelerator Program You Can Tap Into

For Those with Emerging Latino-Owned Food and Beverage Businesses, There's a New Accelerator Program You Can Tap Into

Good news is on the horizon for anyone who has an emerging Latino/e-owned food and beverage business. 

PepsiCo, Inc. announced the launch of its eighth year of the Greenhouse Accelerator Program. This year, however, it is the first time there is a Latino/e focus with the Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) Edition. 

The accelerator program began in 2017 in Europe and expanded to North America in 2018. Its objective now focuses on supporting the innovators and entrepreneurs that appeal to consumer needs, including sustainability and nutrition solutions. Overall, its aim remains to support the growth of up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Being that the Latino/e community is the fastest-growing demographic, and it has plenty of power in all industries, it makes sense to create something that will further their impact with their entrepreneurship.  

“In line with PepsiCo’s Racial Equality Journey goals to support and uplift diverse suppliers, this year we chose to focus on Hispanic-owned entrepreneurs,” said Esperanza Teasdale, Vice President & General Manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Beverages North America in a press release.  

“We are extremely excited and proud to offer diverse companies an opportunity to grow their businesses with our support, especially emerging food and beverage brands. Through our mentorship program and grants we hope to see these businesses grow and further expand within the food and beverage industry.” 

What the ‘Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos’ program entails

Anyone with an emerging Latino/e-owned food and beverage business can already apply to the Greenhouse Accelerator: Juntos Crecemos Edition program. PepsiCo anticipates receiving many applications. However, they will ultimately only choose ten high-potential brands, products, and/or food service concepts to join the program in June.  

According to the press release, the ten innovators will receive $20,000 in grant funding and participate in a six-month business program designed to accelerate their growth through personalized mentorship. The mentorship will include ways to solve a range of business challenges such as brand development, scaling technology, business model development, product optimization, and go-to-market strategy.  

“PepsiCo is continually looking for ways to expand access to small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly within communities of color,” said Antonio Escalona, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Foods North America in an official statement.  

“Knowing that Juntos Crecemos looks to help Hispanic entrepreneurs further grow their businesses, we saw an opportunity to collaborate with the Greenhouse Accelerator program to uncover emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage brands, innovations and services, and help them realize their business goals, while supporting the Hispanic community.” 

How to apply

To learn more about the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator: Juntos Crecemos Edition and how to apply, visit: https://greenhouseaccelerator.com/juntos-crecemos/. 

If you don’t have a food and beverage business, but know someone that does, please share it with them. Nos tenemos que ayudar.

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