Which retailer’s beauty accelerator fits your beauty brand’s custom jump opportunity? How can they help you with hyper-growth?
These powerhouses are stepping up to propel beauty brands like yours into the limelight. However, the struggle is – which one to choose? Which accelerator aligns perfectly with your brand and growth stage? Should you opt for Sephora Accelerate, Ulta’s Muse, or Target’s Take Off Accelerator, or maybe a completely different option?
In this article, we will explore these accelerators in detail, comparing their offerings, curriculum, funding, and much more. So, buckle up, and let’s embark on this journey together!
Table of Contents
- Ulta Accelerator
- What do they offer?
- Mentorship
- Curriculum
- Duration
- Funding
- Eligibility Criteria
- Selection Process
- Guarantees
- Notable Brand Alumni
- Sephora Accelerate
- What do they offer?
- Mentorship
- Curriculum
- Duration
- Funding
- Eligibility Criteria
- Selection Process
- Guarantees
- Notable Brand Alumni
- Target Accelerator
- What do they offer?
- Mentorship
- Curriculum
- Duration
- Funding
- Eligibility Criteria
- Selection Process
- Guarantees
- Notable Brand Alumni
- JUMP Accelerator
- What do they offer?
- Mentorship
- Curriculum
- Duration
- Funding
- Eligibility Criteria
- Selection Process
- Guarantees
- Notable Brand Alumni
- Comparison Table
- Quick Summary
ULTA BEAUTY ACCELERATOR-MUSE
Ulta’s MUSE Beauty Accelerator helps founders of color who aren’t often seen enough in the beauty industry. This isn’t just about token support, though. They’re committed to providing comprehensive tools, in-depth training, and one-on-one mentorship to help build your brand and make a significant impact in the industry.
What do they offer?
So, what exactly can you get if you’re one of the lucky eight brands picked? Let’s break it down:
Brand Strategy & Positioning
You will get the resources and support you need to make your brand strong and successful. Think of it like a game plan for your brand to win in the big leagues.
Retail 101
With Ulta’s expert training, you’re not just starting a brand; you’re growing it and making it thrive in a retail environment that covers both online and physical stores.
Supply Chain & Logistics
How to choose vendors, source, formulate and manufacture & deliver are covered.
Demo Week & Celebration
You will get to take your brand onto the big stage. You get to pitch your brand to people who might want to invest in it and help it grow even more.
Mentorship
In the MUSE Accelerator, you get a mentor – someone who’s there for you, guiding you along your journey. Here are some of the big shots:
Desirée Rogers – CEO of BLK/OPL
Julissa Prado – Founder & CEO of Rizos Curls
Ron Robinson – Founder & CEO of BeautyStat Cosmetics
Shontay Lundy – Creator & Founder of Black Girl Sunscreen
Curriculum
Muse accelerator’s curriculum isn’t just a bunch of boring lectures. It’s an action-packed learning experience designed to prepare your brand for the big, wide world of retail.
You’ll also get unique opportunities to learn from experts in various fields. This includes everything from merchandising, supply chain , legal stuff and marketing.
Schedule
They have not displayed any specific schedule yet.
Duration
The whole program takes 10 weeks. That might not seem like a long time, but you’ll learn a lot and some more during this timespan!
Funding
Being chosen for the MUSE Accelerator isn’t just about the knowledge and mentorship you gain; it’s also about the financial boost. If you’re chosen, you’ll get a whopping $50,000.
Eligibility Criteria
If you’re thinking about applying, here are the boxes you need to tick. Make sure to read this carefully:
- You need to be BIPOC-owned.
- Your brand needs to be early-stage but already has some market presence or direct-to-customer revenue.
- Your products aren’t sold at any major retailer.
- You have more than one shelf-ready product.
- You’re ready to grow and develop your brand.
- You’re eager to learn from industry experts.
- You’re able to commit to the full 10-week program.
- You’re at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and currently living in the U.S.
Selection Process
The accelerator has an internal team that screens applications based on the above criteria and selects beauty brands that can benefit the most from their program. Their site does not mention the exact details of their selection process.
How to Apply?
So, you’ve checked all the boxes, and you’re ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need:
- A link to your business registration documentation.
- A link to your pitch deck or any supporting materials.
- If you have any, the registration numbers for any intellectual property (IP) your company owns. This could be patents, copyrights, trademarks, etc.
- The number of employees or contractors you have (both part-time and full-time).
- Your sales volume for 2021-2022 and an estimate for 2023.
- Your order volume for 2022.
- Your customer retention rate.
Even if the applications are closed, if you have any questions, you can reach out to MUSEAccelerator@ulta.com.
Guarantees
At the end of the program, selected brands will have the chance to pitch their business to Ulta Beauty Buyers However, they can’t guarantee that any brand will launch at Ulta Beauty as part of the program. That said, you’ll still have gained invaluable experience, mentorship, and knowledge + you will be $50K richer to take your brand to the next level.
Notable Brand Alumni
Here are a few successful brands that emerged from the MUSE Accelerator.
- The Refig
- Bonita Fierce Candles
- Dehiya Beauty
- Pound Cake
SEPHORA ACCELERATE-BEAUTY ACCELERATOR
Sephora’s Beauty Accelerator is on a mission to create an empowering community within the beauty industry. They are fully committed to nurturing brand founders who are people of color. This aligns with Sephora’s commitment to the 15 Percent Pledge, a pledge that aims to fill 15% of shelf space in stores with products from black-owned businesses. They believe in the richness of diversity and want to reflect this in the beauty industry. They aim to provide these founders with the tools and support they need to overcome these challenges and succeed.
What do they offer?
Let’s check out what this beauty accelerator has in bag for you!
Learning from the Best
As part of the Accelerate program, you’ll learn straight from the experts. You’ll hear from beauty brand founders who’ve already walked the path you’re starting on, Sephora leaders who know the industry inside out, and other industry experts who can help you make your brand the best it can be.
A Six-Month Journey
It is a six-month journey where you’ll pick up all the skills you need to build a successful business. And the best part? You’ll get access to loads of resources, both digital and in-person, that will help you get your brand ready for retail.
Building Connections
One of the special things about this program is the connections you’ll make. You’ll get to build a real, heartfelt connection to Sephora’s community and its ecosystem because of close engagements over 6 months.
Launching with Sephora
Mentorship
The program brings together a diverse group of experienced individuals who are ready to offer their guidance and insights. Here are a few of the many capable mentors on board:
Alicia Sontag: Partner at Prelude Growth Partners
Alisa Williams: Partner at VMG Partners
Alisa Won: Partner at Sideman & Bancroft LLP
Amy Liu: Founder and CEO of Tower28
Aurora James: Founder and Creative Director of Brother Vellies and Fifteen Percent Pledge
Curriculum
The Sephora Accelerate curriculum is a six-month, tailor-made program designed for BIPOC-founded beauty brands aiming to launch at Sephora, North America. It’s not just about teaching you but about fostering community and collaborations within the beauty industry.
- It is packed with weekly content sessions that offer insights and advice from industry leaders. For instance, you can expect financial readiness tips from Nancy Twine of Briogeo, brand strategy pointers from Vicky Tsai of Tatcha, and marketing lessons from Amy Liu of Tower 28.
- You will also be provided with an advisory team of beauty industry partners, Sephora portfolio founders, and financial professionals. This dedicated team will guide you throughout your journey.
- The curriculum encompasses everything you need to succeed – from mentorship and merchandising support to grants and investor connections. The grand finale? An opportunity to launch your brand at Sephora North America upon completion.
Schedule
While the specific schedule isn’t disclosed, the program lasts six months, from January to June. Expect regular sessions, workshops, and mentorship meetings during this period.
Duration
The program is a six-month journey, running from January through June. This duration provides ample time for brand development and retail readiness.
Funding
Sephora claims to provide a grant to all participants. The exact amount is kept confidential, but it’s meant to assist in brand development and growth.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
-Lead a North America-incorporated beauty brand company.-Be founded or co-founded by someone at least 18 years old.
-Be an early-stage brand not yet widely distributed.
Be able to attend the program in its entirety (6 months; January-June).
-Be prepared to share more about your brand, submit a short video, and potentially provide product samples.
How to Apply?
Go to https://sephoraaccelerate.com/ and click the Apply Now button to start the application process. However, the applications for the 2023 Sephora Accelerate program are currently closed.
Selection Process
Selection Process
The major points Sephora looks at during selection include:
- Vision: The passion for making your business successful.
- Innovation: What sets your brand or product apart? What unique offerings do you bring to the clients?
- Product: You should have a working prototype that has been iterated on at least once to incorporate user feedback. You should also have proven interest in your product (sales, customers, etc.).
- Brands will be notified via email about their selection status.
Guarantees
While not explicitly guaranteed, all brands who complete the incubation program have some likelihood of being launched with Sephora.
Having said that, I have personally spoken to quite a few Sephora Accelerate alumni who did not receive any funding nor placement at the retailer
Notable Brand Alumni
The program has nurtured several successful brands. Here are the top ones:
- Basma
- Fara Homidi
- 54 Thrones
- Wonder Curl
TARGET BEAUTY ACCELERATOR: TAKE OFF
Target Takeoff is an accelerator program designed with a clear focus in mind – to prepare mature consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies for long-term success in mass retail. The program aims to empower these businesses by helping them understand key growth elements, solidify their brand identity, and extend their capabilities to scale. It’s not just about learning; Target Takeoff is about creating powerful connections with industry-disrupting founders, peers, and Target team members.
What do they offer?
Let’s check out what this accelerator has in bag for you!
Unmatched Mentorship
Unmatched Mentorship
You’ll get the opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching, learn from industry leaders, and gather insights from Target executives. It’s like having an all-access pass to a wellspring of industry knowledge and experience.
Collaborative Learning
The learning experience is enhanced by the collaborative environment of the program, where you get to grow with and learn from other passionate CPG entrepreneurs at a similar stage. It’s a community that fosters mutual growth and learning.
Mini-MBA
The comprehensive coursework is like an MBA in retail, covering everything from marketing and packaging to supply chain management. It’s a holistic learning experience designed to equip you with all the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in mass retail.
Two Programs
Forward Founders: Ideal for early-stage CPG companies aiming to become retail-ready. Participants receive personalized feedback from a Target buyer and a Retail Action Plan, a week-by-week guided plan on preparing for retail.
Takeoff: Designed for more mature companies ready to scale into mass retail. By the end of the program, participants will understand the key requirements for mass retail growth, make connections to help them succeed, and have a solid retail pitch.
Curriculum
Target Takeoff curriculum is a comprehensive retail boot camp, designed to prepare you for every aspect of entering and succeeding in the mass retail market.
The weekly curriculum goes as follows:
- Week 1: Intro to Target – Get acquainted with the ins and outs of Target, the cornerstone for your upcoming journey.
- Week 2: Brand Strategy and Marketing – Delve into the strategic planning and marketing techniques needed to make your brand stand out.
- Week 3: Manufacturing, Transportation, and Logistics – Gain an understanding of the supply chain, from production to delivery.
- Week 4: Building Teams and Amplifying Advocates – Learn how to build a strong team and create a network of brand advocates.
- Week 5: Funding Your Growth – Explore ways to fund your business expansion and growth strategies.
- Week 6: Pitch Event – The grand finale, where you get to showcase your brand and business plan to Target team members and external partners.
Schedule
The schedule for Target Takeoff is designed with a category-specific focus. The sessions are held from Monday to Friday, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. CT. You should be prepared to dedicate about 10 to 15 hours per week to fully participate and benefit from the program.
Duration
6-week virtual accelerator program
Funding
The program is completely free for accepted participants. In fact, each company is given a $5,000 stipend. This extra financial boost can be a great help, whether it’s used to tackle existing challenges or to fuel new growth initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
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Only 10 companies get the chance to be a part of each cohort.
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Every company can have two representatives, with one mandatory founder participation.
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It’s compulsory for at least one team member to attend all sessions throughout the six-week program.
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All applicants should be over 18 years of age.
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Only registered entities like LLC, B-Corp, S-Corp, etc., are eligible. Sole proprietorships don’t make the cut.
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Companies must have a product in the market.
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Your company should be a CPG business, already doing well on a small scale and ready to take on the mass retail market.
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Your product should have made some waves in the market, with evidence of social media engagement, revenue growth, or a growing customer base.
How to Apply?
The application for Target accelerator opens on October 16, 2023, and closes on December 1, 2023. To stay updated, enter your business details at https://accelerators.target.com/notify-me/ and get notifications as soon as the process begins.
Selection Process
Selection Process
Once the application window closes, selected applicants are invited for a virtual interview with a panel, but not everyone gets an interview call. The final selection is based on the potential of the team, product assortment, innovation pipeline, and possible growth.
Guarantees
Meeting all the eligibility requirements does not assure a place in the Target Accelerators program. And being a part of the program doesn’t guarantee a business relationship with Target.
Notable Brand Alumni
Some notable brands that have benefited from the Target accelerator programs include:
- 4mas
- 50Hertz Sichuan Pepper
- A Little More Zest
- Adwoa Beauty
JUMP BEAUTY ACCELERATOR
Jump is a unique beauty accelerator that offers profitable growth to women-led, early-stage beauty brands with a fit & fully executable solution using first principles.
Jump works with Pre-Seed, Pre-Seed, Seed and Early-Stage beauty brands, looking to be a talk of the town and achieve profitable growth.
What does JUMP offer?
Let’s check out what this beauty accelerator has in bag for you!
Jump offers a strategic review to design your custom fit roadmap to your end game, followed by
3 basic JUMPs and 3 Advanced JUMPs.
All JUMPs are collaborative solutions.
BASIC JUMPS
JUMP Pad: Create a category elevating brand positioning & strategy.
JUMP in Love: Craft an irresistible brand story that makes consumers fall in love at first sight.
JUMPSTART Tribe: This Jump involves creating a tribe strategy with 6X profitable super fans.
ADVANCED JUMPS
JUMP Market: Fundamental strategy and execution of going to retail and winning the market. The solutions range from listing with retailers, winning the shelf and securing funding for your beauty brand.
JUMP Innovation, Cash & Profitability: Create & launch products with a high probability of success and profitability. Improve cash flow & profitability.
JUMP Culture: Align the team on values and purpose, hire & develop right, instill the discipline of execution.
Schedule
Jump has ongoing enrollment to all the collaborative solution. It is better to apply here for more details.
Duration
The duration of the program is flexible, depending on the chosen collaborative solution.
Funding
Jump is a fully accountable accelerator. We also offer scholarships to minority and resource-constrained, women-led beauty brands in the form of flexible + hybrid pricing model for certain collaborative solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Jump is on the lookout for driven founders of pre-seed, seed & early-stage beauty brands who have the vision to elevate their category. If you’re really hungry for making a difference and open to change before taking on the world, you’re in the right place.
How to Apply?
Apply here to explore a fit.
Selection Process
Selection Process
At Jump, we select women-led, early-stage beauty brands based on their openness to listen, goals, and the relevance and impact of their brand idea.
Guarantees
Once we explore a fit, Jump stands firmly behind its program with a 100% money-back guarantee, a flexible payment plan aligned with your cash flow, and a hybrid pricing model to put our skin in the game.
Notable Brand Alumni
Jump has been a stepping stone for many successful brands; here are a few:
- Besame Cosmetics
- Chella Beauty
- Code of Harmony
- Honey Sweetie Acres
- Suntouched
SUMMARY
In a nutshell, we’ve got four big players in the beauty accelerator world: Ulta’s Muse Accelerator, Sephora Accelerate, Target’s Takeoff, and the Jump Accelerator.
- Ulta’s Muse is all in for championing founders of color, serving up mentorship, training, and a cool $50,000 to get your brand off the ground.
- Sephora Accelerate puts its bets on founders who are people of color too. Their program packs in a lot of learning and networking opportunities over six months, and imagine this, you could even get to launch with Sephora!
- Target Takeoff sets its sights on helping consumer packaged goods companies scale up to mass retail. They’re all about preparing you for the long game on retail shelves.
- Jump Accelerator is looking out for women-led, early-stage beauty brands. Jump accelerates women-led, early-stage beauty brands with a full & fundamental solution based on science & emotion.
While Beauty Accelerators do offer mentoring and funding for beauty brands, majority of the beauty founders that go through these accelerators are still not able to grow and achieve their dreams.
Look at the comparison above and choose the Beauty Accelerator that fits your goal of becoming talk of the town and achieve profitable growth.
Need help in deciding which beauty accelerator is a fit for you? Apply to Jump and we will help you decide!