SEED SPOT Unclaimed

Accelerate your social venture's impact with expert training and mentorship in a supportive community.

Empowers diverse founders to thrive in mass retail through tailored education and mentorship.

Empowers creative brands to scale through expert mentorship and structured business training.

Prepare diverse retail brands for success in mass retail through tailored education and mentorship.

Accelerate your health-focused venture with funding, mentorship, and community partnerships.

Pitch your products directly to Walmart buyers with expert support and feedback.

Accelerate your early-stage business with tailored mentorship and hands-on workshops.

Gain practical tools and mentorship to grow your venture through live workshops and in-person experiences.

Empowers underrepresented youth to become impactful entrepreneurs through hands-on learning and mentorship.

Early Stage Social Impact Founders

Global early-stage social ventures seeking mentorship, validation, and scalable impact opportunities.

Retail Brand Builders

Global diverse-founded consumer brands seeking mass retail access and scalable retail strategy.

Health-Focused Social Enterprises

Global health-focused ventures accelerating community health outcomes.

Youth Entrepreneurship Programs

Global underrepresented youth entrepreneurship education and opportunity programs.

Programs that help idea- and early-stage founders validate problem, develop customer profiles, build a business model, and prepare investor or partner pitches.

Services that prepare consumer brands for mass retail through supplier readiness, brand strategy, compliance, buyer pitching, and direct access to retail buyers.

Cohort-based accelerators and incubators that scale mission-driven ventures and community-health enterprises via mentorship, funding, and partnership pathways.

Education and training programs that deliver project-based learning, technical skills, paid internships, and mentorship to underrepresented youth to build entrepreneurial and career readiness.

Impact Accelerator

SEED SPOT's Impact Accelerator is a flagship, cohort-based program for social and mission-driven ventures. It blends instructor-led training with mentorship and a supportive network to help founders scale their impact. The program operates with online learning components and a lifelong alumni network, providing ongoing mentorship and access to legal support. It includes dedicated tracks for Social Impact, Community Health, and Youth Entrepreneurship, enabling founders to align with areas where they can maximize social return and scale their solutions.

• Gain Lifelong Support
  Participants retain access to valuable resources, mentorship, and community connections long after completing the program.
• Connect with Industry Experts
  Mentorship from seasoned professionals equip entrepreneurs with insights and guidance tailored to their ventures.
• Flexible Learning
  Participants benefit from adaptable online sessions that fit their busy schedules while still providing high-quality educational content.
• Tailored Resources
  Specialized tracks ensure that participants receive relevant support based on their specific focus areas and goals.
• Join a Supportive Community
  Entrepreneurs can connect with peers facing similar challenges, fostering collaboration and shared learning experiences.

Retail Brand Accelerator

Fully funded, eight-week virtual accelerator for mature consumer packaged goods brands aiming to break into mass retail. The program offers education, mentorship, and resources, including the Supplier Readiness Checklist and guidance aligned to major retailers’ requirements. Post-program, participants can pursue Road to Open Call to pitch to buyers, with alumni continuing to benefit from SEED SPOT’s network and opportunities to showcase on retailer platforms.

• Provides Tailored Education
  Offers an immersive experience designed to equip brands with essential skills for retail success.
• Drives Retail Success
  A significant percentage of alumni secure placements in major retailers, showcasing the program's effectiveness.
• Facilitates Buyer Engagement
  Enables brands to connect directly with retail buyers, enhancing their chances of securing retail placements.
• Builds Valuable Connections
  Creates networking opportunities that can enhance the brand's market trajectory and growth potential.
• Prepares for Retail Compliance
  Guides brands through the critical compliance requirements necessary for entering mass retail.

Ascend Retail Business Accelerator

Ascend Retail Business Accelerator is a lean-startup–driven program designed for creative brands seeking scalable growth in retail. It emphasizes practical, hands-on guidance through a weekly time commitment and a blend of workshops, assignments, and mentor meetings. Participants develop foundational business models, brand strategy, and revenue strategies while receiving expert retail guidance and support in financial planning and partnerships.

• Apply Lean Startup Principles
  Participants learn to implement rapid experimentation and customer feedback loops to refine their business models swiftly.
• Gain Retail Insights
  Learn directly from industry leaders who share insights and experiences critical for surviving the retail sector.
• Build Flexible Brand Foundations
  Participants receive tailored strategies for developing a strong brand identity and positioning that resonates within the digital marketplace.
• Enhance Financial Planning Skills
  Receive structured education on budget management and funding strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Unlock Additional Revenue Channels
  Assistance in identifying and integrating new sales channels and production methods to diversify income.
• Commit to Structured Learning
  Participants are expected to engage actively, ensuring they gain the most from hands-on mentorship and peer learning.

Emerging Brand Accelerator

Emerging Brand Accelerator is a virtual ten-week program for emerging, diverse-founded retail brands. It provides tailored education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to prepare brands for mass retail. The program combines group training with one-on-one coaching and focuses on brand strategy, sales readiness, and retail pathways, helping underrepresented founders reach broader markets while leveraging SEED SPOT’s alumni network.

• Build Retail Readiness
  The program offers an extensive curriculum designed to prepare participants for successful entry into the retail market.
• Enhance Skills and Insights
  Participants benefit from personalized advice tailored to their unique business needs, ensuring they receive focused guidance.
• Ensure Compliance with Retail Standards
  Brands receive critical insights on requirements for retail partnerships, increasing their chances of success.
• Access Ongoing Support
  Graduates continue to receive mentorship and resources that support their growth long after completing the program.
• Identify Growth Strategies
  This checklist aids in understanding production and supply chain needs to effectively scale.
• Gain Comprehensive Knowledge
  Participants delve into essential areas of business that equip them with the skills to thrive in retail.

VOA Futures Fund Community Health Incubator

Fully-funded 14-week accelerator to accelerate social enterprises that improve community health outcomes, powered by Volunteers of America (VOA) and Humana Foundation. The program provides expert business training, tailored mentorship, and access to a national network. Participants receive non-dilutive grants and potential follow-on investments up to $200,000, with a final showcase to pitch to partners and investors.

• Receive Full Funding
  Participants gain comprehensive financial support for their entrepreneurial journey.
• Access Potential Grants
  Fund your projects with initial grants and explore future investment opportunities.
• Receive Personalized Mentorship
  Gain insights and guidance tailored to your specific venture needs.
• Establish Key Partnerships
  Connect with organizations that enhance your venture’s reach and effectiveness.
• Participate in Final Showcase
  Present your venture to potential investors and partners at a key event.

Road to Open Call

Road to Open Call is SEED SPOT’s in-person opportunity to pitch products directly to Walmart buyers. The program provides live pitch experiences, preparation workshops, and mentorship to help brands refine their retail strategy. Selected ventures gain a 30-minute meeting with Walmart buyers and may receive a fast-pass invitation to participate in Walmart’s Open Call events.

• Facilitate Direct Engagement
  Gain valuable insights and feedback directly from Walmart decision-makers through personally assigned meetings.
• Showcase Your Innovation
  Present your shelf-ready products live in front of Walmart buyers, showcasing your brand’s mission and craftsmanship.
• Access Larger Markets
  Qualified brands may receive expedited entry to Walmart's major Open Call events, enhancing visibility and opportunities.
• Enhance Pitch Strategies
  Participate in targeted workshops to refine your pitch and retail strategy, supported by expert mentorship.
• Easily Apply to Participate
  Apply easily for an opportunity to pitch and be part of the Road to Open Call, ensuring entries are welcomed promptly.
• Build Professional Connections
  Engage with a community of startups and industry veterans, fostering valuable relationships within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

2-Day Launch Camp

2-Day Launch Camp helps idea-stage ventures gain clarity and momentum through a focused, hands-on program. It covers problem definition, customer understanding, prototyping, and pitching, with mentor and peer feedback. The program combines virtual and in-person sessions, offering practical activities to build a viable business model and a compelling pitch.

• Receive Personalized Guidance
  Connect with experienced mentors who provide tailored insights and constructive feedback throughout the program.
• Develop Key Business Assets
  Participants will create essential components of their business, enhancing clarity and strategic direction.
• Craft Your Unique Pitch
  Work on creating a persuasive pitch that effectively conveys your business idea to potential stakeholders.
• Engage in Comprehensive Learning
  Participate in engaging workshops designed to maximize your learning experience and business growth.
• Expand Your Professional Network
  Build valuable connections with peers and mentors that can support your entrepreneurial journey.
• Leverage Ongoing Support
  Continue to benefit from resources and mentorship even after completing the program, enhancing your growth potential.

Startup Spring Training 2026

Startup Spring Training 2026 is SEED SPOT’s program offering a series of English- and Spanish-language virtual workshops to help early-stage ventures build fundamentals, gain traction, and prepare for growth. The program emphasizes practical skill-building through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on activities, helping founders move from idea to validated venture.

• Enhances Access For Diverse Founders
  Offering both English and Spanish tracks, this feature ensures inclusivity and accessibility for all entrepreneurs participating in the program.
• Equips Founders With Essential Knowledge
  The curriculum covers crucial areas such as securing loans, effective marketing strategies, and maintaining financial health, empowering founders to navigate their entrepreneurial journey confidently.
• Facilitates Real-Time Learning
  Offering expertly-led sessions on vital topics, these workshops enable participants to apply newfound skills and insights immediately to their ventures.
• Provides Intensive Business Support
  The Launch Camp is designed to enhance business clarity and pitch delivery through immersive, hands-on activities led by experienced mentors.
• Connects Entrepreneurs And Investors
  This event showcases participant ventures, providing a platform for networking and gaining visibility with potential investors and community supporters.

Youth Entrepreneurship Program

SEED SPOT’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program invests in underrepresented youth with big ideas through real-world, project-based learning. The program provides mentorship, hands-on tech and entrepreneurship training, paid internships (minimum 120 hours over 6–8 weeks at $15/hour), and partnerships with organizations such as the NBA Foundation and Best Buy Foundation to expand access to opportunities.

• Engage in Meaningful Projects
  Students learn by doing, making the learning process impactful and relevant.
• Gain Real-World Experience
  Participants connect with role models and gain hands-on experience that enriches their entrepreneurial journey.
• Present Your Ideas
  Participants present their ventures and receive constructive feedback, enhancing their pitching skills.
• Choose Your Duration
  Adaptable options to meet the schedules and commitments of diverse participants.
• Learn Modern Tools
  Participants gain technical fluency necessary for today’s business environments.
• Thrive in a Supportive Setting
  Participants are nurtured in an environment that encourages collaboration and creativity.
• Build Confidence and Skills
  Enhance public speaking skills and career readiness through dedicated coaching and feedback.
• Experience Broader Networks
  Access a wider range of resources and mentorship through key organizational partnerships.