March is Women’s History Month and a great time to recognize some of the female CPG leaders in the area such as The founder of Poo Pourri, Suzy Batiz, Purpose Tea founder, Chi Nguyen, Paula Lambert of Dallas’ Mozzarella Company, Sarah Zubiate of Zubi’s, Merrilee Kick of Buzz Balls, Susan O’Brien of Hail Merry Snacks, Theresa Motter, Chief Eggroll Officer at Van’s Kitchen, Hima Pal, founder of Tin Star Foods, Lynn Scarborough, President of Cheeza Pleeza, among many others. Kudos also to these up-and-coming women-owned CPG brands: Veronica Westlake of La Casita Hot Sauce, Abha Ahuja of Metta Flour, India Hearne of Whiski Designs, Diane Seimetz Duncan, founder of A Joy Forever, and this writer, Andrea Ridout of White Rock Granola. Of course, we mustn’t forget our own amazing Executive Committee members, Jenica Oliver, founder and CMO of Blueprint Marketing, Brandi Jenniskens at Just Like Home Kitchen Recipes, and Genevieve Poirier-Richards, President and Founder at The Marketing Spectrum. We salute you!
Thanks so much to Dallas CPG investors, David Gassko of Kainos Capital and Blake Wiley of Access Capital for their informative Huddle, Communicating with Prospective Investors, on February 24. The attendees received some great information they can use in their fundraising and/or investment efforts.
SKU has just named two additions to their leadership team including their new Managing Director, Emily Kealey, who is a member of DFW CPG’s event committee, and Kathy Guzmán Galloway, a DFW CPG ambassador, who has joined SKU as their Curriculum Director.
Expo West is coming up in Anaheim, March 8-12, and the teams at SKU and DFW CPG are ready to celebrate with all of you! The happy hour is happening March 10th at 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Rhythm Superfoods Booth #5518. Don’t miss it!
Great to see DFW CPG brands at our local retailers – remember to support them: Zubi’s, Kaurinas, Purpose Tea.
SXSW is right around the corner, March 11-18, in Austin and The Future of Food is front and center! Join SXSW, Huston-Tillotson University, Food Tank, The James Beard Foundation, Little Herds, The Cook’s Nook, and more for an unforgettable series of activations, discussion, and interactive experiences all focused on creating more sustainable food systems. All events are free and open to the public with registration, both in-person in Austin, and virtually through the SXSW Livestream.
The Impact Venture’s LEAP (Local Entrepreneurs Accelerator Program) is a DFW-based 12-week 100% virtual program designed for early-stage small businesses led by women and BIPOC founders. This program focuses on improving the capacity of existing small businesses with the opportunity to create local living wage jobs, increase access to capital, and stimulate the local North Texas economy. Apply here by March 7.
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Submit your application for Target Forward Founders by March 21, 2022. This informative and educational mentorship program is open to all early-stage product companies in any category except apparel and accessories, CDs, DVDs, and books. The course, sponsored by Target stores, includes mentorship from seasoned CPG professionals, collaboration with other growth-stage companies as well as invaluable marketing, packaging, supply chain materials. The virtual program dates are: May 24, 2022 – July 14, 2022.
Don’t miss Naturally Network’s Women in CPG Summit, a 3-day event filled with virtual education, conversation, and national networking, March 22-24. 3 half-days of exciting and engaging FREE virtual sessions are planned, built so that you can pick and choose what works best for your schedule and interests. Keynote includes Jane Miller, Former CEO of Lily’s Sweets, and Cynthia Tice, Founder of Lily’s Sweets. Sessions will be taught by industry leaders such as Tracey Halama, CEO Vital Proteins, and Lisa Curtis of Kuli Kuli Foods.
H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best is now open for applications. This yearly contest is open to all locally-owned, small food and beverage suppliers to have their items considered for placement on H-E-B shelves and $25,000 in their pocket. Even if your product has never been sold at retail, it’s eligible. Four winners will earn cash prizes, with the Grand Prize winner earning the title ‘Texas’ Best’! Submit your product information online NOW through Wednesday, April 7. Visit H-E-B’s website for additional rules and contest information.
SKU is kicking off its second SKU Elevate track for BIPOC-CPG founders. SKU Elevate is an 8-week program starting June 2022 that fosters a more inclusive community by providing crucial education, networking, mentorship (provided by a who’s who of national CPG leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and subject-matter experts). The track culminates with the Elevate Showcase Pitch Event.