Woolworths-backed FMCG-only incubator and accelerator, Seedlab Australia has launched Bootcamp 10, its largest and most diverse cohort to date, with 55 businesses across Australia and New Zealand joining the program, including Melbourne’s inner-north hotspots, Mat’s Hot Shop and Tahina.
Bootcamp is an intensive incubator program designed to empower new and emerging FMCG businesses with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed. Over several weeks, Bootcamp 10 participants engage in interactive sessions, masterclasses, and live discussions, covering critical aspects of business development.
The Seedlab program provides access to industry experts and opportunities to present their products to Woolworths category managers, with many participants hoping to have their products ranged by the supermarket chain.
Seedlab Australia head of communications and content, Kenna MacTavish said that Bootcamp 10 program has attracted a number of promising businesses.
“Bootcamp 10 is our biggest Bootcamp ever. The quality of participants in Round 10 has taken the benchmark to a new level, with a real sway towards better-for-you food and beverage businesses. We also have a number of new participants which are already ranged in Woolworths in Australia and New Zealand,” she said.
Seedlab Australia has evolved the program for Bootcamp 10, adding new content to better prepare participants for Woolworths, and for Cultivate, the next level in the Seedlab Australia program.
Cultivate, Seedlab Australia’s advanced accelerator program follows Bootcamp, giving select businesses the chance to undergo five-months of intensive training, preparing them to pitch to Woolworths category managers and although there is no guarantee, businesses could potentially have their products stocked nationally.
“Many participants from earlier Bootcamp cohorts regularly participate in Seedlab events, and actively engage with new participants. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how we’ve built a strong community and network of support. Ultimately, I just love championing these businesses in all of their endeavours,” MacTavish said.