What is SKU?
SKU is the nation’s leading accelerator built exclusively for early-stage consumer product brands. For 15 years, we’ve helped consumer packaged goods founders go from scrappy operators to confident CEOs. Every fall and spring, 7-8 companies experience first-in-class, operator-led curriculum, pitch practice, and hands-on mentorship from CPG industry experts. By the end of 12 weeks, these brands are set up for scale and fundraising.

What does “SKU” stand for?
In CPG, a SKU (pronounced “skew”) is a Stock Keeping Unit, the barcode on every product on the shelf. Every great brand starts with one. We’re here to help you build the next one shoppers can’t live without.

Who is SKU for?
Brands that are in-market, have real traction, and are hungry for what’s next. If you’re building a consumer packaged goods brand, from food and beverage to beauty and pet, and you’re ready to scale in both retail and DTC, we want to hear from you. You can be based anywhere, as long as you can join virtual programming on Central Time (Austin, TX).

Who is SKU NOT for?
SKU typically will not accept a company that is just an idea – a concept that is not market validated. We want to see that your brand has achieved some distribution, either DTC or retail, with real traction (sales). We are not looking for brands who are not working toward a significant liquidity event, such as an acquisition by a strategic partner. Also, we are focused exclusively on products rather than services, franchises, or technology.

What counts as “real traction”?
We typically look for brands that have at least $100k in lifetime sales. At that benchmark, companies have enough consumer data to validate their market positioning and demand. Additionally, Mentors can be more helpful when Founders have already done the hard work of testing hypotheses. That said, we have taken companies in the program below this benchmark. It’s a guideline more than a rule!

I’m not sure I’m ready to apply. Should I?
Yes! We have accepted brands on their second or even third attempt applying to SKU. Like any good investor, building relationships early gives us confidence in taking risks. We would love to get to know you now and follow your story.

How is the program structured?
Twelve weeks designed to accelerate your growth:

• Kickoff in Austin: In-person connection with your cohort, Mentors, and the SKU Crew.
• 10 weeks of virtual programming: Weekly classes, pitch practice, and hands-on time with your Mentor team
• Showcase in Austin: Your moment on stage in front of investors, retailers, and industry leaders

What will I learn?
Everything you need to build a business that lasts, taught by people who’ve done it. SKU Mentors and industry partners lead classes on the topics that make or break CPG brands: channel strategy, retail pitching, distribution, supply chain, and fundraising, to name a few. Weekly pitch practice will help you hone your growth and financing strategy, and prepare a stage-ready investor pitch. Mentors bring context and real-life experience from the field, so you can see around corners.

What is Showcase?
Your big stage. The program culminates at Robert Rowling Hall on UT’s campus, thanks to our partners at the Brumley Institute for Graduate Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. You’ll demo your product and deliver a 5-minute pitch to a room full of investors, retailers, and industry partners. A panel of judges crowns a Judges’ Choice winner, who takes home a prize package, and the audience votes for a Fan Favorite. It’s the payoff for three months of hard work, and a room of people who can open doors for your brand.

Who will be on my Mentor team?
The SKU Crew will complete Mentor Needs calls with accepted Founders before Kickoff. We will interview you to find out your strengths and where you feel you need the most help. We’ll use that information and Mentor preferences to match you with a team of 6-10 Mentors who are experts in your category and challenges. Each team will include a Lead Mentor and a dedicated Finance Expert who will be responsible for helping you build 3-5 year financial projections. Mentors have experience at industry leaders like Coca Cola, P&G, MARS, as well as high-growth startups like UNREAL Snacks and Seventh Generation.

What are the program deliverables?
You will leave the program fundraise-ready and financially-prepared:

• A stage-ready pitch deck and story
• A clean Data Room
• A fundraise strategy and progress tracker
• 3-5 year Financial Projections
• Lifelong Mentors and friends

How much time does SKU require?
Plan for 7 to 10 hours per week. Every one of those hours goes straight into your business: classes, pitch practice, and Mentor meetings focused on your real challenges.

Is any travel required?
Yes, two trips to Austin: Kickoff and Showcase (about two and a half days each). These are some of the most valuable days of the program, when your cohort becomes your crew. And SKU helps cover the cost with a $5,000 travel stipend.

Can I participate while running my business full-time?
Absolutely. SKU is built for working Founders. Most programming is virtual, and the weekly load fits alongside running your company. It will be intense, but that’s why we call it an accelerator. With the SKU community behind you, you’ll accomplish in three months what would otherwise take a year or more.

What does it cost to participate in SKU?
There is no cash fee to participate. SKU receives 5% equity in your company, as outlined in the Participation Agreement, which means we only win when you win. In return, you get:

• A mini-MBA in CPG, taught by industry experts
• A dedicated Mentor team, plus access to our network of 500+ Mentors
• Pitch coaching and a spot on the Showcase stage
• Lifetime access to the SKU Founder, Mentor, and Alumni community
• Exclusive benefits from select partners such as free access to Byzzer from NielsenIQ, sign-on offers from Ramp, and more.

Will SKU give me any money?
SKU does not currently make cash investments. Every company that completes the program receives a $5,000 stipend to cover program-related travel.

What happens after I’m accepted?
Congratulations, you’re in! Here’s what comes next:

1. Review and sign the Participation Agreement
2. Complete legal and financial diligence with SKU’s legal counsel
3. Mentor Needs call: the SKU Crew interviews the founding team to find out where you need the most help, and match you with Mentors who are experts in those areas
4. Onboarding: complete intake forms and arrange travel to Austin

Then get ready to meet your Mentors and your cohort.

How do I prepare for SKU?
Start with the big picture. What do you want out of your business? Are you aiming to scale nationally? Exit to a major CPG company? Then get honest about where you stand. What are your strengths as a Founder, a team, and a company, and where do you need help? The clearer your answers, the more you’ll get out of the program, and the better we can match you with the Mentors who can take you there.

What does SKU expect from founders?
We give you our best, and we ask for yours:

• A contribution mentality
• Show up for classes, Mentor meetings, and both Austin events
• Come prepared and do the work
• Communicate openly with the SKU team and your Mentors
• Be coachable and open to feedback
• Share your progress and metrics so we can help you hit your goals
• Invest in your cohort. The Founders beside you will become some of your most valuable allies.

How does the application process work?
Three rounds: a written application, product sampling (~40 brands), and a finalist interview (~25 brands) over Zoom. We typically take 7-8 companies in each program.

When can I apply?

• Spring 2027: Applications open October 5, 2026 and close December 1, 2026
• Fall 2027: Applications open April 1, 2027 and close June 1, 2027

What makes a strong application?
We evaluate every business holistically. We look for coachable Founders running scalable businesses built on high-quality products. The strongest applicants know their business inside and out: what they do best, and exactly where SKU can help them grow.

What happens after the program?
The Showcase is just the beginning. As a SKU Alum, you’re part of the SKU community for life, with an exclusive community Slack, Alumni events, dedicated investor outreach support, and more. We recommend Founders maintain a monthly all-hands call with their Mentor teams, and keep them and SKU abreast of all wins and challenges. SKU is now on your cap table, so we are invested in your success!

How do I become a SKU Mentor?
Our mentors are a who’s who of the CPG world, and we’re selective about who can join our community. We’re looking for accomplished CPG leaders, successful entrepreneurs, investors and subject-matter experts – all with a passion to help shape the next generation of consumer product startups. Our program is structured in a way that facilitates participation from mentors from across the country.

If you are interested in becoming a SKU mentor, please complete the Mentor Interest Form and we will schedule an interview.

How do I become a SKU partner or sponsor?
When you become a partner of SKU, you become a part of the leading CPG community in the country. We work with our partners to ensure that you are positioned to our founders and mentors as an authority. SKU is not focused on having a lot of logos on a sign. We are looking for well-respected service providers. We have a number of different ways for companies and organizations with complementary missions to integrate into the SKU ecosystem. Reach out julie@sku.is, and we’ll set up a time to chat.

Where should I direct an interview request or other press contact?
SKU is considered a leading authority when it comes to the CPG industry. In addition to exciting things happening with our accelerator and our brands, we are on top of the latest trends. For press inquiries, contact Beau Bergman at beau@sku.is.