Happy Pride Month

The DFW CPG Insider – Community News June 2023

DFW CPG News Updates

RoRo'sBrand Spotlight: RoRo’s Baking Company 

Dallas-based RoRo’s Baking Company was one of six (6) brands in SKU’s Food & Beverage 2023 Track that culminated in a pitch showcase day on May 23rd in Austin.  RoRo’s Baking Company is a family owned and operated company, specializing in delicious handmade cinnamon and dinner rolls. Founder Amy Collins was inspired by her grandmother, better known as “RoRo”, who began baking her rolls many years ago in her kitchen and selling them around the community.

DFW CPG’s co-founder, Richard Riccardi, served as mentor to Amy and the RoRo’s Baking Company organization during the track.  Congratulations to all of the finalists!  Join us in celebrating Amy’s success, and in supporting SKU’s mission growing founders in the CPG industry.

You can watch the entire SKU Food & Beverage Showcase here: (RoRo’s starts at minute 40).

GoTexan

A DFW CPG panel will be presenting at the Go Texan EXPO on June 22nd at 2:30 to 3:30 pm in Market Gallery in The Dallas Market Hall. If you’ve never been to an event at the market, this should be one not to miss!  Topic: Strategies for Growing Your Brand – Presented by DFW CPG.  Tips, stories and more from DFW CPG panelists Richard RiccardiTim PragerGenevieve Poirier-Richards and Mindy Robbins.  And, learn more about the DFW CPG community and how you can benefit by joining. We look forward to seeing you there. Free registration for the Go Texas Expo is here and join us at 2:30 for this conversation and Q&A session. As a reminder, the Go Texan Expo is a one-day event for branded companies to display their products, network,  and attend workshops and educational sessions as part of the 4-day Total Home and Gift Show at the Dallas Market.

Thank you

 

Arthur Swanson, Sr Counsel at Vela WoodThanks so much to Arthur Swanson, Sr. Counsel at Vela Wood, for an informative and engaging Huddle on May 25.  Topics discussed included contractual considerations, questions to ask potential partners and co-packers and things to look out for when marketing your brand.  If you weren’t able to attend, Click Here to watch the webinar on our website.

Lone River Beverage CoAccording to Dallas Innovates, Frisco-based Lone River Beverage Co. is getting some help from a famous face, Lainey Wilson, an actress on “Yellowstone” as it launches limited-edition “Yellowstone” drinks. The limited-edition packaging will be available on the brand’s multi-packs of Original Ranch Water and margarita-style Ranch Rita. Read all about it here.

Applications to join the next cohort of the Women’s Business Council – Southwest’s  Women of Color Mentorship Program are now LIVE! The program is a great no-cost way to learn about the benefits of certification and meet other women business owners. So if you’re looking to get certified but prefer a little more guidance, the mentor program is for you! Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/gcPqCX2D

Fund Your BusinessAre you looking for funding opportunities for your small business?

Join this virtual workshop on June 8th at 8:30 am.  This workshop is designed with small businesses in mind to discuss ways to obtain access to capital when nothing else has worked.

Register via zoom here.

 

StoreThey say that knowledge is power – and it’s especially true when you are growing a business. Ever wonder who the Top 100 US Retailers are?  The picture is evolving as retailers change their strategies and store closures cloud the picture. This all inclusive list from Retail Info Systems gives a look at the latest comprehensive list of North America-based retailers and their current market share.

 

 

SKU NEWS: 

SKUAre you a PetCare products company that wants to grow your brand?  The first SKU PetCare track (apparel, supplies, toys, and food) is kicking off this summer, and the application deadline is June 4th. Register to be considered for this exciting new track!  Plus watch the virtual SKU Dallas Showcase pitch video here to see the local graduates of the last year’s SKU Dallas cohort. You’re sure to gain some inspiration for your own pitch as you watch these creative entrepreneurs.

Spread the word – BeyondSKU Track 4, Fall 2023 is an in-person 12-week track is for companies and mentors in the New York TriState Area.  Learn more here.

Emerging Brands Summit

 

Emerging Brands Summit 2023 is a one-day event in Las Vegas on Sunday, September 10, 2023, prior to the start of PACK EXPO, designed for fast-growing emerging brands seeking to scale their manufacturing operations. One $50,000 grant will be awarded onsite at the Emerging Brands Summit. Learn more about the grant program at the Emerging Brands Alliance, or download a sample application.

Reminder

 

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM:
Dallas College has partnered with Santander Bank’s Cultivate Small Business program to provide resources, capital, and mentorship to early-stage woman, BIPOC, and immigrant-owned food businesses in the DFW area. The 12-week virtual course is accepting applications through June 15th for classes beginning in September. Learn more here.

PIPELINE ANGELS:
Check out their signature pitch summit series for an opportunity to present your for-profit social venture for a chance to secure funding from the Pipeline Angel members. Founders can apply here. $40 processing fee.

SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATION:
The Summer Fancy Food Show returning to the Javits Center in NYC, June 25-27. The show will focus on everything from supply chain remedies to trending brands to new research, providing incredible insights into the state of our industry. Learn more here.

SMU VENTURE FINANCE CERTIFICATE COURSE:
Fundraising for Startups will be held on Thursday evenings in July on the SMU campus. Taught by, Dr. Simon Mak & Brian Bartles, this course is being offered for $495, half the usual cost due to a generous underwriter.  Register early before the class fills up. Course starts on July 6, 2023. For more information, contact Nancy J. Hong or call 214-768-3330.