Shipt Announces Accelerator Program With Shopify
LadderUp launches for local retailers in Atlanta, Birmingham, Detroit, Houston and Washington, D.C., providing business owners with capital, e-commerce-focused technical assistance, and education from industry leaders Applications opened up for LadderUp, an innovative new accelerator program from retail technology company Shipt that will equip local retailers with the tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving […]
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LadderUp launches for local retailers in Atlanta, Birmingham, Detroit, Houston and Washington, D.C., providing business owners with capital, e-commerce-focused technical assistance, and education from industry leaders
Applications opened up for LadderUp, an innovative new accelerator program from retail technology company Shipt that will equip local retailers with the tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. The program builds upon a set of commitments announced at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to expand access to food in underserved communities, particularly for those with mobility or transportation barriers.
LadderUp will support local economies by helping local small businesses, especially ones owned by LGBTQ+ people and people of colour, grow and compete by providing capital, e-commerce-focused technical assistance, and education from industry leaders to businesses around the country.
“As a growing tech company that is putting food insecurity and equity at the forefront of its work, Shipt is proud to announce the launch of LadderUp,” said Kamau Witherspoon, CEO of Shipt. “Working with small businesses to build up their capabilities is a key part of our commitment to help create healthier, more resilient and equitable communities. We recognise the unique role that we can play in both combating hunger in under-resourced communities and boosting small, local retailers that are so vital to communities across our country.”
LadderUp applications are open February 6 through March 6, 2023, and small businesses in five cities can apply to be part of the program: Atlanta; Birmingham, AL; Detroit; Houston; and Washington, D.C. This opportunity is open to grocery/beverage, health, beauty, and floral/gifts retailers. If selected, small business owners will go through an extensive 8-week course learning from retail industry leaders on driving sustainable growth, building a financial foundation, building efficiency, marketing, e-commerce 101, using Shipt, and the basic legal knowledge needed to run a business.
Upon completing the program, retailers will have the in-depth industry knowledge to help them navigate and understand trends in the evolving e-commerce landscape. Additionally, Shipt will provide each participating retailer who completes the LadderUp program with $5,000 to help invest in their e-commerce. Shopify, a leading e-commerce company, is partnering with Shipt to teach a course in the program and provide no-cost access to their platform to help retailers build an online storefront, streamline operations, and optimise inventory tracking.
“At Shopify, our mission is to make commerce better for everyone,” said Crystal Hunt, Shopify Sr. Program Manager of Partnerships Diversity & Belonging. “To achieve this mission, we must bring more voices to entrepreneurship. Together with Shipt, we are reducing the unique barriers facing underrepresented business owners. Through this partnership, we will create community and opportunity for the change makers, disruptors and creators of tomorrow because we know the success of a single entrepreneur can create a legacy, power communities and inspire the world.”
