Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program For Agricultural Businesses

TL;DR

Key Takeaways

1

Underserved agricultural entrepreneurs receive up to $1,000 for retail certification advancement.

2

Program combines 8-10 weekly training hours with exclusive mentorship from industry leaders.

3

Selected ventures must demonstrate proven product traction and positive community impact.

4

Graduates gain access to Walmart’s retail ecosystem and ongoing venture scaling support.

Training Program

Transform Your Agricultural Business with Retail Readiness

Join a competitive 16-week leadership program designed to help underserved entrepreneurs transform agricultural ventures into successful retail businesses. Get the tools, knowledge, and support needed to scale your impact.

16

Weeks of Training

25

Selected Entrepreneurs

$1K

Certification Stipend

Key Program Dates

1

January 26, 2025

Priority Application Deadline

2

February 21, 2025

Acceptance Notifications

3

March 10, 2025

Program Start

4

June 30, 2025

Program Completion

Are you an impact-driven entrepreneur looking to transform your agricultural venture into a retail-ready business? The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program, supported by Watson Institute and Walmart, is designed to help underserved entrepreneurs achieve retail readiness, scale their ventures, and create significant community impact. Dive in to learn how this comprehensive program can empower your business journey!

Introduction to the Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program

The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a competitive 16-week leadership and venture development program designed to support 25 underserved retail entrepreneurs who transform agricultural inputs into higher-value products or work directly in agriculture. This program aims to empower entrepreneurs to become retail-ready, scale their ventures, and create jobs and positive impacts in their communities.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the program is to provide underserved entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to transform their agricultural ventures into successful retail businesses. The primary objectives include:

1. Enhancing retail readiness through certifications and training.
2. Fostering leadership and venture development skills.
3. Building a robust network and community for long-term support.
4. Creating jobs and positively impacting communities.

Target Audience

The program is tailored for impact-driven entrepreneurs working directly in farming or creating value-added products based on agricultural inputs. This includes entrepreneurs who are in the ‘missing middle’ stage, between prototyping and scaling, and need support to achieve retail readiness.

Program Structure and Key Components

The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is structured to provide comprehensive support through various components:

1. Weekly Virtual Workshops

• Format: Weekly virtual workshops with localized gatherings and events when possible.
• Time Commitment: 8-10 hours per week.
• Schedule: Sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Mountain Time Zone (GMT-6).
• Immersive & Orientation: A 2-week virtual immersive starting March 10th, 2025, with a 20–25 hours per week time commitment.

2. Basecamp Events

• Purpose: Basecamp refers to a 1-3 day Impact Workshop led by each Founder in their community. It allows Founders to showcase their ventures, receive feedback, and expand their network.
• Benefits: Participants gain hands-on experience in exploring social impact through entrepreneurship.

3. Retail Readiness Certification Stipend

• Support: Each Founder will have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 to support their pursuit of external retail readiness certifications. This stipend helps cover certification fees and related expenses, supporting Founders in advancing their retail skills and career opportunities.

4. Mentorship and Networking Opportunities

• Mentorship: Renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners join the program to share their entrepreneurial journey and experience, as well as mentor the Founders.
• Networking: A diverse cohort of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders will form partnerships, collaborations, and further their growth and impact during and after the program.

5. Pitch Training & Summit

• Pitch Development: Throughout the program, Founders will refine their pitch through guided sessions focused on crafting their story, showcasing impact, and effectively communicating their vision.
• Summit: The culminating event where Founders pitch and present their ventures to local leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility Criteria

1. Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs: Working directly in farming or creating value-added products based on agricultural inputs.
2. Venture Stage: Entrepreneurs with proven products, traction, and revenue, but not yet ready to scale.
3. Commitment: Ability to commit to the 16-week program, including a 2-week virtual immersive.
4. Geographic Focus: U.S.-based entrepreneurs from cities with high wealth inequality.
5. Demographics: Adults 18 or older.

Application Process

1. Applications Submitted: Complete the online application, which should take approximately 45 minutes to fill out. The priority deadline for application submissions is January 26th, 2025.
2. First Round Review: The Admissions Committee diligently reviews all applications, seeking entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and ventures that are both innovative and scalable.
3. Interview: Qualified applicants will receive invitations for a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview to delve deeper into their motivations and ventures.
4. Admissions Committee Review: The most promising applicant profiles will be shared with the external Admissions Committee for their final review and selection.
5. Acceptances Announced: Notifications of acceptance will be sent out no later than February 21st, 2025.
6. Confirm & Enroll: The final step is to confirm your commitment to the program and participate in a “Meet the Cohort Webinar” event leading up to the program’s commencement on March 10th, 2025.

Benefits of the Program

The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program offers a range of benefits designed to support entrepreneurs in achieving retail readiness and scaling their ventures:

1. Essential Training and Certifications: Access to retail readiness certifications and expert-led sessions covering foundations & retail strategy, product development & branding, financial management & access to capital, marketing & sales strategies, operations & scaling, and pitch development & delivery.
2. Financial Support: A stipend of up to $1,000 to support the pursuit of external retail readiness certifications.
3. Mentorship: Guidance from renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners who share their experiences and mentor the Founders.
4. Community Engagement: Opportunities to engage with a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit founders, fostering partnerships and collaborations.
5. Long-Term Alumni Support: Sustainable support to help entrepreneurs become retail-ready, scale their ventures, create jobs, and positively impact their communities.

How to Apply and Key Dates

Application Deadline

• Priority Application Deadline: January 26th, 2025
• Program Dates: March 10th to June 30th, 2025 (16 weeks of programming).

Application Tips

• Be Thorough: Take the time to complete the application thoroughly, highlighting your leadership qualities, venture innovations, and scalability potential.
• Showcase Impact: Emphasize the impact your venture has had on your community and how the program will help you achieve retail readiness.
• Demonstrate Commitment: Clearly communicate your commitment to actively participating in the entire 16-week program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the eligibility for this program?

• You are an impact-driven entrepreneur or community leader, working directly in farming or creating value-added products based on agricultural inputs. This could mean processing raw agricultural materials into something more useful and marketable or creating products that involve recycling or upcycling, reducing waste and environmental impact. This training program supports historically underserved entrepreneurs who are making a lasting impact in their communities through innovation and value creation.
• Your venture is in Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit Stage, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue. This typically includes a track record of successfully raising funds through grants, investments, donations, or other means to support your ventures.
• You are able to commit to the 16-week program including the two-week virtual Immersive. We prioritize applicants who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire 16-week program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.
• You are available to attend the workshops that are hosted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

1. What are the eligibility requirements for the Retail Readiness Certification Stipend?

• Each Founder will have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 to support their pursuit of external retail readiness certifications. This stipend helps cover certification fees and related expenses, supporting Founders in advancing their retail skills and career opportunities.

2. How selective is this program?

• The program is highly selective, with the Admissions Committee diligently reviewing all applications to seek entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and ventures that are both innovative and scalable.

3. What do the in-person components entail?

• The program includes a Basecamp event, which is a 1-3 day Impact Workshop led by each Founder in their community. It allows Founders to showcase their ventures, receive feedback, and expand their network.

4. What is the application review timeline?

• The priority deadline for application submissions is January 26th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the spots are filled.

5. Can I apply if my country is not listed under the priority countries?

• Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applications outside the geographies listed above. However, we run numerous programs a year and are likely to have an opportunity for you in the future. We encourage you to check back regularly and reach out to Watson Institute’s team members for more information.

6. I have another question and need assistance.

• For additional questions and assistance, please reach out to the Watson Institute’s team members for more information.

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Conclusion

The Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program is a transformative opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector. By providing essential training, certifications, mentorship, and community support, the program empowers participants to achieve retail readiness, scale their ventures, and create lasting community impact. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your business and make a difference. Apply now and take the first step towards retail success!