PepsiCo announced the return of its Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) Edition. The collaborative program provides funding and pairs breakthrough start-ups with PepsiCo experts to help grow their businesses.
The program aims to foster emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage ventures for the second consecutive year and contribute to the industry’s innovation and growth.
According to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), Latino businesses generate $800 billion for the U.S. economy yearly. Still, they have the potential to generate much more if provided greater access to business-critical resources.
“We are so excited to launch year two of the program to be a catalyst of growth for emerging Hispanic-owned ventures in the food and beverage industry,” said Esperanza Teasdale, Vice President & General Manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Beverages North America.
Programs like the Greenhouse Accelerator Program provide businesses with the training and access to capital needed to continue strengthening the U.S. economy.
Related Article: Juntos Crecemos, Three Years Supporting the Growth of Hispanic Businesses in the U.S.
Aspiring food and beverage businesses engaged in creating or selling consumer goods on a national scale can now submit their applications for the Greenhouse Accelerator: Juntos Crecemos Edition program.
This initiative is part of pep+ (PepsiCo Positive)’s transformation agenda, aiming to foster a more circular and inclusive value chain.
To apply, visit https://greenhouseaccelerator.com/juntos-crecemos-applications/
The deadline to apply is May 6.
“Last year’s program was a reciprocal exchange of learning. Mentors provided mentees with invaluable business advice, and the mentees provided a thoughtful approach to their respective businesses and the industry at large. This cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives is what helps drive innovation within PepsiCo,” said Teasdale.
The Juntos Crecemos Edition Awards
PepsiCo will choose eight promising businesses from the applicant pool to receive a $20,000 grant and join the five-month mentorship program to address their specific business challenges, including brand development, scaling technology, business model development, product optimization, and go-to-market strategy.
The finalists will present plans to address their business obstacles, progress, and tangible results throughout the year to an expert evaluation committee.
In November, the committee will award a $100,000 grand prize to the most promising business to continue its expansion, along with the possibility of working with PepsiCo and Juntos Crecemos.
“The success resulting from programs like this one showcases the power of the U.S. Hispanic entrepreneur,” said Antonio Escalona, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Foods North America.
“Embracing the spirit of innovation, our commitment at PepsiCo is rooted in meeting the dynamic demands of today’s evolving consumers. We hope to give these Hispanic-owned start-ups the resources needed to shape the future of food and beverage with creativity, ingenuity, and relentless dedication,” Escalona emphasized.
Daniel Schwarz, winner of the inaugural mentorship program and Founder & CEO of Mexican-inspired snack company CHUZA, used the grant and expertise he gained to raise product awareness and inspire brand love worldwide through expanded branding and marketing efforts.
Since November 2023, Schwarz has focused on product packaging improvements and new product innovations that he hopes to introduce later this year.
“I encourage all Hispanic business owners in the food and beverage sector to apply for this program and take advantage of all it has to offer because it can help transform your businesses to make an impact in the industry,” said Schwarz.
The founder of CHUZA and other finalists from last year’s cohort will attend Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA, the leading trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy product industry, on March 14 to share their testimonies about the program during an informational session alongside PepsiCo leaders.