Woolworths-backed FMCG-only incubator and accelerator Seedlab Australia has announced the launch of Bootcamp 10, its largest and most diverse cohort to date, with 55 businesses across Australia and New Zealand joining the program, including Melbourne’s inner-north hotspots, Mat’s Hot Shop and Tahina.
Bootcamp is an intensive incubator program designed to empower new and emerging FMCG businesses with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed. Over several weeks, Bootcamp 10 participants will engage in interactive sessions, masterclasses, and live discussions, covering critical aspects of business development, from product innovation to market expansion.
“The Seedlab program provides unparalleled access to industry experts and opportunities to present their products to Woolworths category managers, with many participants hoping to have their products ranged by the supermarket chain.”
Seedlab Australia Head of Communications and Content Kenna MacTavish says the Bootcamp 10 program has attracted some of the most promising businesses the incubator has seen to date.
“Bootcamp 10 is our biggest Bootcamp ever. The quality of participants in Round 10 has taken the benchmark to a new level, with a real sway towards better-for-you food and beverage businesses.
“We also have a number of new participants which are already ranged in Woolworths in Australia and New Zealand,” Ms MacTavish said.
Mat’s Hot Shop, a boutique hot sauce retailer in Collingwood, creates artisanal sauces from locally sourced ingredients. Founder Mat Garthwaite aims to add a new stream to his successful retail and ecommerce business by further developing his unique value proposition and learning how to best navigate the national retail landscape.
Tahina, a Middle Eastern street food restaurant in Northcote, seeks to make its premium, handmade felafel more accessible to consumers through the supermarket supply chain with its new take-home brand, Tahina Goods.
Innerbloom, an established cold brew coffee company, based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, also stood out during the application process.
“Founders of Innerbloom regularly attend Bootcamp sessions, contributing their own learnings while showing examples of their work, helping to foster the spirit of the Seedlab community,” Ms MacTavish said.
Seedlab Australia has evolved the program for Bootcamp 10, adding new content to better prepare participants for Woolworths, and for Cultivate, the next level in the Seedlab Australia program.
Cultivate, Seedlab Australia’s advanced accelerator program follows Bootcamp, giving select businesses the chance to undergo five-months of intensive training, preparing them to pitch to Woolworths category managers and although there is no guarantee, businesses could potentially have their products stocked nationally.
Bootcamp 10 participants also include Longbrew Nitro Coffee, Spicetub, Tully’z Kitchen, Durbalicious and Crown Curly.