Target Forward Founders

Categories:

Open to most product categories at Target.

Objectives:

Get connected to industry-disrupting founders, Target team members and other cohort members while gaining access to leading retail knowledge and resources.

Outcome:

Leave with a Retail Action Plan, a week-by-week guided plan on how to prepare for retail.

key details.

Take a look at the program info to learn what to expect.

programming.

8-week virtual startup accelerator program
Sessions are scheduled 5 – 8pm CST Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with optional office hours on Thursdays
Requires about 10 – 15 hours per week

participation.

30 companies will be accepted
Up to 2 members of each company can join
During all 8 weeks, at least 1 founder needs to attend all required sessions

financials.

Free to participating companies
Each company is given a $5,000 stipend

the criteria.

We’re looking for future-shapers of all kinds, but there are a few important things that we want to see from applicants. Final selections will also be made based on team, assortment, innovation pipeline, traction and potential for growth.

Open to all product categories available at Target except apparel and accessories, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, car seats, shoes, strollers, books, movies, music, video games, bath, bedding, furniture, heating, cooling, air quality, home appliances, kitchen and dining; see the full list
Must have an LLC, C-Corp, B-Corp, S-Corp or other registered entity
Must be 18 years or older
Must currently have a physical product that is available to sell
Must have the desire to sell products in mass retail one day
Must sell directly to consumer online, in specialty store or have limited brick and mortar presence (<20 stores)
Ideally have less than 6 employees
Ideally have lifetime revenue of $5,000 – $500,000
Must not be a current vendor at Target
Ideally you have limited/no manufacturing and supply chain capabilities

Business woman laughing with joy within arrow cut design

curriculum.

Each week you dive deep into relevant retail topics during group working sessions and one-on-one meetings. Learn from experts, get executive mentorship and receive tangible feedback on your business. Attend optional office hours on Thursdays to meet with Founder in Resident mentors, speakers and program managers.

End the program by pitching your product during a mock line review. Plus, you leave with a Retail Action Plan, a custom guided plan on how to take your business into retail.

retail
101

go to market
strategy

funding
for retail

retail
finance

leveraging data
for decisions

branding
proposition for
retail

manufacturing
& supply chain

talking to
retailers

application resources.

Before you apply, check out these helpful resources to make your application stand out.

Forward Founders Ask Me Anything Webinar

Watch the recording to hear the Forward Founders team answer questions about the program and application.

Forward Founders Informational Webinar

Watch the recording to get a deep dive into the Forward Founders program and hear from an alumni.

Your Guide to Apply

5 key tips for application success.

2022 schedule.

Forward Founders happens multiple times each year. Take a look at upcoming programs.

1: Cohort 2

We are no longer accepting applications for Cohort 2.

Program dates:
January 24, 2022 – March 18, 2022

2: Cohort 3

We are no longer accepting applications for Cohort 3.

Program dates:
May 24, 2022 – July 14, 2022

See all Forward Founders program categories that we offer

Apparel and accessories
Jewelry, Kids Clothing, Men Clothing, Teens Clothing, Women Clothing, Other Accessories

Baby and toddler
Bath and Potty, Clothing, Diapers, Gear and Activities, Health and Safety, Nursery, Nursing and Feeding, Toys, Other

Beauty and personal care
Bath and Body, Cotton Balls, Pads and Swabs, Deodorant and Antiperspirant, Eye care, Feminine Products, Foot care, Fragrances, Hair Accessories, Hair Care, Hair Color, Hair Removal and Shave, Hand Soap and Sanitizer, Hair Tools, Incontinence, Makeup, Men's Grooming, Nails, Oral Care, Personal Care, Skin Care, Spa and Massage, Sun Care and Tanning, Tools, Other

Entertainment
Board Games, Electronics, Sports and Outdoors, Toys, Travel, Other

Food and beverage
Adult Beverages, Bakery, Beverages, Candy, Dairy, Dry/Pantry, Fresh/produce, Frozen, Meat, Meat Alternatives, Seafood, Bar or Drink Mixers, Snacks, Other

Home
Arts, Crafts and Sewing, Candles, Home Decor, Kids' Home, Mattresses, Rugs, Smart Home, Storage and Organization, Throw Pillows, Vacuums and Floor Cleaning, Office Stationary , Window Treatments, Other

Household essentials
Air Fresheners, Cleaning Supplies, Dish Detergents, Food Storage Bags and Containers, Hand Soap and Sanitizers, Insect and Pest Control, Laundry Care, Paper and Plastic Products, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Trash Bags, Other

Pets
Beds and Furniture, Food/Treats, Supplies, Technology, Toys, Healthcare/Supplements, Other

What I’ve learned during the program is there is no one way to build a successful business but there are specific things that you need to understand and put in place in order to be a strong founder and build a business towards success.

Angela Medlin
House Dogge
Target Forward Founders Alumni

I’m just so overwhelmed and excited and honored to have been a part of this group that got poured into the last eight weeks by industry experts and founders who have been here before. I have learned so much and this has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me or to my brand.

Jasmin Foster
Be Rooted
Target Forward Founders Fellow Alumni

Through Target Forward Founders we met so many awesome and inspirational founders and I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.

Holly Paul
Mizo Hard Seltzer
Target Forward Founders Alumni

achieve
retail
readiness.