Deadline: 26TH January, 2025.
The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a competitive 16-week leadership and venture development program designed to support 25 underserved retail entrepreneurs who transform agricultural inputs into higher-value products or work directly in agriculture.
Founders receive essential training, a curated list of retail readiness certifications and the financial stipend to pursue those certifications, mentorship, and access to a robust network and community. The program also offers long-term, sustainable alumni support to help entrepreneurs become retail-ready, scale their ventures, create jobs, and positively impact their communities.
Training Program offers:
The Retail Readiness Program powered by Watson Institute is designed for impact driven entrepreneurs working in agriculture. The program aims to support entrepreneurs to achieve retail readiness, scale their ventures, and create significant community impact.
- Retail Readiness Certifications & Leadership Training – Founders will receive access to retail readiness certifications and engage in weekly expert-led sessions covering:
- Foundations & Retail Strategy
- Product Development & Branding
- Financial Management & Access to Capital
- Marketing & Sales Strategies
- Operations & Scaling
- Pitch Development & Delivery
2. Community & Network Building – A diverse cohort of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders will form partnerships, collaborations, and further their growth and impact during and after the program. Community building activities include:
- Engagement with Watson Institute Alumni
- Basecamp training and events
3. Mentorship & Collaboration – Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners join the program to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience, as well as mentor the Founders. Participants are provided with multiple mentorship opportunities that include:
- Preceptor Advisory Board
- Impact Speaker Series
- Mentor Bonanza
4. Pitch Training & Summit – Throughout the program, Founders will refine their pitch through guided sessions focused on crafting their story, showcasing impact, and effectively communicating their vision. The Summit is the culminating event where Founders pitch and present their ventures to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs. It’s a platform to catalyze change, forge partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for growth and impact.
Benefits
- Each Founder will have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 to support their pursuit of external retail readiness certifications. This stipend helps cover certification fees and related expenses, supporting Founders in advancing their retail skills and career opportunities.
Eligibility
- You are an impact-driven entrepreneur or community leader, working directly in farming or creating value-added products based on agricultural inputs. This could mean processing raw agricultural materials into something more useful and marketable or creating products that involve recycling or upcycling, reducing waste and environmental impact. Some examples of value-added products in agriculture include: ready-to-eat products, organic and specialty products, artisanal and craft products, natural fibers and textiles, cosmetics and personal care products, biofuels, bioproducts and more. This training program supports historically underserved entrepreneurs who are making lasting impact in their communities through innovation and value creation.
- Your venture is in Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit Stage, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue. This typically includes a track record of successfully raising funds through grants, investments, donations, or other means to support your ventures.
- You are able to commit to the 16-week program including the two-week virtual Immersive. We prioritize applicants who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire 16-week program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
- You are available to attend the workshops that are hosted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
