The WBENC Industry Accelerator | Kroger Feeding Growth Opportunities for Entrepreneurs returned in 2025 for its second year, building on the momentum and measurable impact of its inaugural cohort. Designed to fuel growth and open doors, this dynamic 8-week, cohort-style program delivers industry-focused education, personalized mentoring, and culminates in a live virtual pitch competition.
Through continued collaboration between WBENC and Kroger, the program reflects a shared commitment to expanding access, strengthening supplier pipelines, and advancing high-potential businesses ready to scale within the retail industry.
The 2025 cohort featured 20 stand-out businesses selected for their innovation, capacity, and growth potential.
A Showcase of Innovation and Excellence
The 2025 cohort concluded with a dynamic pitch showcase highlighting the exceptional talent, innovation, and preparedness of the participating entrepreneurs. The event celebrated the growth and accomplishments of the 20 entrepreneurs who completed the program, each demonstrating remarkable progress over the course of the accelerator.
After an impressive round of pitches, Kim Meckwood of Click & Carry was announced as the $10,000 pitch competition winner. Her presentation stood out for its clarity, market readiness, and compelling value proposition, earning high praise from the judging panel.
The winner was formally announced by Ann Reed, Group Vice President, Our Brands & Store Planning – Kroger who took the stage to recognize Kim’s achievement and commend all cohort participants for their dedication and hard work throughout the program.
A Robust, Industry-Focused Learning Experience
The accelerator provided an enriching educational journey for the 20 entrepreneurs in the cohort. Participants engaged in high-impact sessions such as Pitch Training 101, How to Present to a Kroger Category Manager, and How to Market Your Business. These sessions equipped entrepreneurs with practical tools and strategic insights necessary to successfully navigate the competitive retail landscape.
Each participant was paired with a Kroger executive mentor, creating meaningful one-on-one connections, and providing invaluable industry-specific guidance. These mentorship relationships offered participants direct insight into retail expectations, procurement processes, and growth strategies.
The cohort was a true reflection of innovation across industries. Businesses represented a variety of categories, including fresh takes on classic foods and beverages, and services ready to work and scale with retailers. This breadth of offerings underscored the accelerator’s ability to support a wide range of scalable, retail-ready enterprises.
Elevated Pitch Quality and Engagement
The pitch event itself was a testament to the preparation and professionalism of the cohort. Participants adhered closely to their designated time limits, ensuring a seamless and efficient program flow. Judges were highly engaged, posing thoughtful, strategic questions that reflected both deep interest and a genuine desire to help participants refine their growth strategies.
Celebrating Continued Acceleration
The 2025 WBENC Industry Accelerator | Kroger Feeding Growth Opportunities for Entrepreneurs has once again proven to be a powerful platform for growth, acceleration, and opportunity. Congratulations to all 20 participating businesses for their dedication, growth, and bold leadership throughout the program! And to our Title Sponsor, Kroger, thank you for your continued support in strengthening the supply chain and in feeding growth opportunities for entrepreneurs!
