Deadline: August 15, 2025
The WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025 is back with another game-changing opportunity for certified women-owned businesses. Powered by a dynamic partnership between the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and Kroger, this year’s cohort-based accelerator programme is designed to empower entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, and the chance to win funding and corporate partnership opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to scale your product, pitch to a Fortune 500 brand, or sharpen your business strategy, this programme offers the tools, training, and exposure to make it happen.
What is the WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025?
The WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025 is a virtual, cohort-style programme focused on equipping WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) with the business acumen and tools to scale in competitive markets. This year’s edition, themed “Kroger Feeding Growth”, focuses on product-based entrepreneurs seeking to grow within the retail and grocery sectors.
Participants engage in exclusive educational sessions, mentorship from industry leaders, and a high-stakes live virtual pitch competition — where one winner takes home $10,000 and another may be selected for a pilot contract with Kroger.
Key Dates and Programme Timeline
If you’re planning to apply, take note of these critical dates:
| Milestone | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Virtual Kickoff Education Session | July 31, 2025 (2:00–3:30 PM ET) |
| Applications Open | August 1, 2025 |
| Applications Close | August 15, 2025 |
| Notification of Acceptance | By September 1, 2025 |
| Education Session #2 | September 11, 2025 |
| Education Session #3 | September 25, 2025 |
| Pitch Prep Dry Run | September 30, 2025 |
| Live Pitch Competition | October 17, 2025 (12:00–2:30 PM ET) |
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025, applicants must:
- Be an owner of a WBENC-Certified WBE.
- Represent a product-based business with an existing market-ready solution (no concepts or prototypes).
- Be prepared to commit to the full programme schedule (no absences or tardiness allowed).
- Submit a 60-second elevator pitch video introducing your product and business solution.
- Ensure only one application per business is submitted.
What You Stand to Gain
This isn’t just another accelerator — it’s a gateway to national recognition and retail growth. Programme benefits include:
- A $10,000 grant awarded to one top-performing entrepreneur.
- Potential pilot contract with Kroger (note: not guaranteed).
- Expert-led virtual workshops focused on pitching, marketing, and retail navigation.
- Strategic feedback from Kroger category managers.
- National visibility during the live pitch competition.
Please note: participants are required to sign confidentiality agreements and maintain discretion around shared programme content.
How to Apply for the WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025
Applications for the 2025 programme are open from August 1 to August 15, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by September 1. Participation in all sessions is mandatory to remain eligible for the pitch and funding opportunity.
Final Thoughts
The WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025 is an unmissable opportunity for women entrepreneurs ready to scale their product businesses and pitch to one of the largest retail chains in the U.S. With targeted mentorship, business visibility, and access to potential funding, this programme positions women-led enterprises for serious growth.
If you need support with proposal drafting, refinement, or review, contact grantsdatabase.org for expert guidance.
📖 Learn more about the WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025
