Launch your business in 6 months with personalized support and coaching
Dreaming of starting a food business? We invite you to explore our Sprouts Incubation Program– a six-month, holistic program developed by The Hatchery Chicago to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and transform your business from idea to reality.
This cohort program is intended to accelerate your launch to market using Lean Startup methodologies and a supportive community. With essential tools and engaging monthly discussions, you will be able to determine viability and market demand quickly, and carefully position your brand for growth.
The program includes the following and more:
Business starter checklist
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Licensing and certification guidance
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Branding support
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Prototype and formulation templates
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Business plan development
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Graduation with a launched concept
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Orientation and monthly sessions with The Hatchery Team
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Free access to live classes and networking events
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Free access to foundational on-demand classes
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Access to coaching sessions with Hatchery Network Advisors
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Assistance with competitive analysis and pitch deck
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Discounted services and opportunities with partners
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Occasional promotion through The Hatchery’s media channels
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Community connections with fellow entrepreneurs
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Love from The Hatchery!
Ideal candidates are dedicated, early stage entrepreneurs developing a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brand, such as snacks, beverages, snacks, baked goods, catering company, meal delivery, or food truck.
During this six-month program, entrepreneurs will solidify their business plans, complete all required licensing to legally produce and sell, and prepare to launch their concepts.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and program start dates occur every quarter (3 months).
Next available start date: February 7, 2024
The Hatchery Chicago will provide the tools, guidance, and resources necessary to develop concepts into fully hatched businesses.
Please be advised that this program is intended to support your initiatives. For this to be successful, entrepreneurs must actively participate in sessions and continue business development on their own time. Engagement and responsiveness is key.
To graduate from the Sprout Program, participants are expected to:
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Attend 3 in-person cohort sessions
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Attend 3 virtual cohort sessions
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Attend a minimum of 6 classes
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Attend a minimum of 2 networking events
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Participate in 3 individual coaching sessions
Application Fee: $25
Program Price: $500
*Only open to Chicago-based entrepreneurs
