Food Entrepreneur AUSTIN, TEXAS —  Whole Foods Market, a subsidiary of Amazon, is welcoming applicants for its 2024 Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP). The program, which launched in 2022, seeks 10 food and beverage brands that are not yet sold in Whole Foods Market stores and to join its Early Growth cohort.

The partnership with the retailer offers food and beverage brands mentorship, educational programs, and financial support.

“Whole Foods Market deeply values the connections to local and emerging brands, enriched by the LEAP program,” said Alyssa Vescio, senior vice president of merchandising at Whole Foods Market. “By equipping emerging brands with the necessary tools, education, and access, we’re not just fostering their growth — we’re cultivating a dynamic platform for creativity, innovation, and positive change that resonates with our purpose to nourish people and the planet.”

Participants chosen for the Early Growth program will be involved in a 12-week educational curriculum. Once they complete the curriculum, they will be considered for a placement on the grocer’s shelves in their home city or area.

In addition, participants will be eligible to be considered for a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund, which is managed by the Austin Community Foundation.

Last year, Whole Foods Market added a second LEAP program called On the Verge. The company said On the Verge was created to deepen relationships and foster growth with local and emerging suppliers the store currently carried in select Whole Foods Market stores.

Participants selected for the On the Verge 2024 include:

  • Dare Vegan Cheese
  • Evergreen
  • Funky Mello
  • Moku
  • Myles Comfort Food
  • Painterland Sisters
  • The Organic Pantry Co.
  • Shar
  • Sinto
  • Gourmet
  • Uncle Waithley’s  

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