Runway to Revenue Business Accelerator

Runway to Revenue Business Accelerator is sponsored by Fifteen Percent Pledge, in partnership with Victoria's Secret. A 12-week virtual accelerator program providing mentorship, funding, and growth opportunities for BIPOC and/or women entrepreneurs.

Announcing The Runway to Revenue Accelerator Program, powered by Victoria's Secret & Co. Transform your business with mentorship, funding and growth opportunities designed specifically for your businesses. The program accepts businesses that are BIPOC and/or women-owned or businesses that show a dedicated commitment to the Fifteen Percent Pledge’s mission.

Join our first-of-its-kind 12-week virtual accelerator program where you'll receive: $10,000 in grant funding to grow your business Expert-led workshops on scaling, operations, and business strategy Access to networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs An opportunity to pitch your brand for additional funding totaling up to $50,000 Women founders received only 1.

9% of all venture capital funds in 2022, with BIPOC women founders receiving less than 0. 5%. But your potential shouldn't be limited by these systemic barriers.

This accelerator program aims to provide the capital, connections, and confidence you need to beat the odds and scale your business. The virtual program will culminate in a pitch competition at Victoria’s Secret & Co. HQ in Columbus, OH, where selected founders will compete for additional grant funding up to $50,000 to fuel their next phase of growth.

We're looking for visionary founders who are: Leading innovative, growth-stage businesses Ready to scale their operations Committed to building sustainable, impactful companies Eager to join a community of like-minded founders Your dreams deserve funding. Your business deserves support. Your vision deserves to be realized.

Business has an annual revenue of at least $100,000 and no more than $1,500,000 At least one self-identifying person with 51% or more equity in the company identifies as BIPOC and/or woman or business shows a demonstrated commitment to Fifteen Percent Pledge's mission Business must be operational for at least 1 year Business must sell an intimates, apparel, accessories, activewear/sport, shapewear or hosiery product Business must be available to participate in the twelve-week accelerator program outlined below Business must be able to willing to travel and attend the in-person pitch competition in Columbus, OH at the close of the program Business must be US-based Business has high potential for growth indicated by strong sales over time Business has a sustainable competitive advantage Business is led by a strong management team with deep industry knowledge Business has a strong use case for the award to manage growth challenges and scale for the future Business fosters inclusivity and showcases community Program Process + Timeline The application will be open for four weeks.

Accepted program attendees will join a 12-week accelerator program and then participate in a pitch competition.

Pitch Competition, Columbus, OH Pitch Competition, Columbus, OH Program attendees will join weekly educational seminars, (sessions are 1 day per week, for a duration of 3 hours) with a curriculum outline as follows: Module 1: Kick-Off & Foundations Week 1: Kick-Off & Foundations Week 2: Aligning Vision with Values & Crafting Your Brand Identity Week 3: Designing a Masterpiece & Product Development Week 4: Merchandising & Assortments Module 2: Operations & Scaling Up Week 5: Retail Finance & Inventory Week 6: Supply Chain Management Week 7: Product Integrity Week 8: Sustainability Practices Module 3: Marketing and Customer Engagement Week 9: Customer Experience & Marketing Strategies Week 10: PR and Media Relations / Brand Communities Module 4: Legalities, Funding & Pitching Week 11: Legal Considerations Week 12: The Art of Pitch Have additional questions?

Email brands@15pp. org The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a racial equity and economic justice non-profit organization addressing the inequities that exist throughout the American consumer economy and working towards closing the racial wealth gap.

In recognition that Black people in the U.S. compromise nearly 15% of the population, the Fifteen Percent Pledge calls on major retailers and corporations to commit a minimum of 15% of their shelf space, sales revenue, and annual spend to support Black-owned businesses. In 2022, the Pledge was the recipient of Fast Company's Most Innovative Company of the Year Award.

Are you are a founder, venture capitalist, corporate employee, or other leader who wants to invest or contribute to funding a grant for a Black business owner? Individuals can also donate here to support the Pledge's general operations and long-term organizational growth.