Land O’Lakes
Dairy Accelerator

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Empowering Dairy Entrepreneurs

Land O’ Lakes was founded over 100 years ago by the original entrepreneurs – cooperative member farmers. As the competitive landscape of the food industry continues to rapidly change, Land O’ Lakes is more committed than ever to supporting the growth of dairy food companies and the industry as a whole. Our accelerator program aims to equip entrepreneurs to scale up their operations and achieve meaningful growth. We accomplish this through fostering and supporting innovative ideas, sharing our expertise, and cultivating a community of innovative and forward thinking companies. If your company uses dairy products in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you!

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Accelerator Program

The Land O’ Lakes Dairy Accelerator Program provides support and mentorship to product pioneers that want to drive innovation in the dairy products space. Participants will get hands on experience in finance, brand building, manufacturing, sales, distribution, and leadership development. Really, anything needed to move your business to the next level. In addition, our accelerator includes access to Land O’ Lakes’ internal experts as well as broader industry leaders. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to present your proposals, new business ideas and learnings to Land O’Lakes leadership.

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Participation

Participants selected must commit to attending and contributing to the full program (see application for additional requirements). To help participants in this commitment, participants will receive a $25,000 stipend that will cover the cost of travel to required program sessions.

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Selection Criteria

Land O’ Lakes is looking for entrepreneurs that are passionate about moving their companies to the next level. Participants must utilize dairy as a primary ingredient in its product idea. Any aspect of dairy including but not limited to: yogurt, cheese, whey or other milk-based proteins or ingredients can be used. It is encouraged that new ideas not be focused on butter or butter-based spreads. Ideally, applicants should have company revenues of approximately $200,000 or more in the last 12 months. Applicants and the product ideas must be based in the United States.

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Timing

Applicants must be willing to commit to the Land O’Lakes Dairy Accelerator program requirements throughout the three-month program which starts in mid-September and concludes in November 2018

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Location

Our Accelerator program, and all related activities will be located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Each session is two days in length, and there will be a total of 4 sessions throughout the 3 month program.

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Requirements

Applicants selected must agree to all terms and conditions outlined in the Land O’Lakes Dairy Accelerator program’s written agreement before participating.

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Equity

No equity stake is required to participate in the accelerator. Instead, our participants receive a $25,000 stipend to offset the cost of travel. Our program’s focus is simply on growing the dairy industry as a whole.

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