LadderUp Accelerator Program

LadderUp Accelerator Program is sponsored by Shipt. The LadderUp Accelerator program is an eight-week program designed to help food-focused small businesses and nonprofits strengthen operations and expand their impact. Organizations selected receive a grant, mentorship from industry leaders, and opportunities for collaboration.

Ladder Up | Shipt Fresh Food Accelerator Program Grow your business. Feed your community. Get marketplace education, financial support, and more in this eight-week accelerator for small businesses and nonprofits dedicated to providing their communities with fresh food.

By applying to LadderUp, you agree to the LadderUp Application Terms and Conditions and Shipt Privacy Notice . Applications will reopen January 2027. Fresh food builds strong communities In the U.S., nearly 40 million people live in food deserts.

* These are often low-income communities where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited. By leveraging our experience and resources in the tech space, LadderUp works with an array of organizations, from grocery stores to co-ops to farmers markets, to expand fresh-food access to these communities. Because we believe fresh food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of zip code.

Here's what's in store for you Work with industry experts to refine your business strategy, level up your digital marketing, and learn how e-commerce and tech are changing grocery and food businesses. Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a one-time, $5,000 grant. Learning doesn’t end in the classroom.

Get answers to your questions from our industry experts during mentor office hours.

Fresh-food businesses and nonprofits: grocery stores, food co-ops, CSAs, and farmers market owners Must have a farm stand, brick-and-mortar, or mobile market located in a city where Shipt operates Participating organizations must be a registered entity, with an active business license, EIN Number, or a 501(c)(3) Final selections will be made based on the potential for growth, your story, and eligibility.

Our first cohort will include 10 small businesses. Applications are open from January 20 to February 20, 2026. Top applicants will participate in a brief virtual interview, and we'll notify all applicants of their status by March 2026.

The eight-week program starts on April 21. Virtual classes will take place Tuesdays from 5:30 p. m.

to 7 p. m. CT.

“One of the most impactful sessions was one on Digital Merchandising. Our instructor, Aspen, provided one-on-one feedback on how to strengthen our e-commerce design to mirror our physical location. — Owner of Destiny African Market in Boston, MA Learn more about 2025 LadderUp participants.

Got questions? You’re not alone. Where and when will classes take place?

All sessions, including mentor office hours, will be virtual. Classes will be on Tuesdays between 5:30 p. m.

and 7 p. m. CDT.

Shipt will send out a class calendar at the start of the program to all participating companies. Who should attend the courses? Up to two members of the organization are permitted to participate in the virtual program courses.

Is participation in all classes required for successful completion? Participating organizations must participate in a minimum of 6 of the virtual sessions during the eight-week program. What is the expected time commitment?

The expected time commitment is two to three hours a week, including a 90 minute virtual course, mentor office hours, and cohort networking. How many organizations will be accepted? A maximum of ten organizations will be accepted into this cohort.

When will organizations receive the $5k stipend? The one-time $5k stipend will be distributed upon successfully completing the program. This stipend does not require equity in the company or repayment.

Will I be able to join Shipt's marketplace if desired? Eligible program participants are welcome to enter into discussions with Shipt to learn more about what is required to onboard to our marketplace. Do I have to have a website or currently sell products online to be eligible?

No, it is not required to have a website or already sell products online to be eligible. When will I be notified if I’m accepted into the program? All applicants will be notified of their status no later than the end of March 2025.