Naturally New England

Judges Have Been Announced! Help us extend a warm welcome to this prestegious lineup of judges! - list judges & tag them Apply Now to Pitch at Naturally Rising! ?? Our Second Annual Pitch Slam Competition is happening May 22 at Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence, and the excitement is building! ?? ?? What’s in Store? ? Watch emerging brands pitch to industry experts ? Discover groundbreaking products in our Brand Showcase ? Enjoy networking, an open bar, and dinner ?? Want to Pitch? Now’s your chance! With our panel of expert judges locked in, it’s time to get those applications in! ? Deadline to Apply: March 24 ?? Don’t miss your shot at game-changing exposure and expert feedback! Apply today through the upcoming events tab in the link in bio! Apply today here! https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv

Join us for The Leadership Table, an intimate spring feast with Heirloom Fire and renowned chef James Gop, set in their stunning private headquarters. ??? ?? April 12, 2025 ? 6:00 - 9:30 PM ?? Richmond, MA This one-of-a-kind dining experience will feature a seasonally inspired menu cooked over an open fire, celebrating the finest local ingredients. With only 20 seats available, participation is by invitation only—and this is your chance to be part of it! ????? ?? Want to join us? Apply by March 27th and let us know why you’d love to be part of this unforgettable evening. Selected guests will receive their exclusive invitation on March 31st. ?? Cost: $150 per person ?? If the ticket price is a barrier, please mention that in your application. Selections will not be based on financial capability. Our aim is to create a diverse group that represents the full spectrum of CPG leaders—from founders to service providers. ?? Who’s an industry leader? You are. If you’re driving innovation in the CPG space—whether as a founder, executive, or service provider—this is for you. If you’re shaping the future of the industry (and trust us, you are), we want you at the table! ? Don’t miss this rare opportunity—apply here! ?? https://lnkd.in/eC-heqZj Karen Farrell Jean Lizotte Allison Houle Bob Burke Prabal Chaudhri Andrew Criezis Jeremy Halpern Kamaal Jarrett Jacqueline Grady Smith Erik Drake John Burns Maria Dubuc Taja Dockendorf Melissa Martinelli Holly Long John Maggiore Kathleen O'Brien Nicolas McCoy Poorvi Patodia Maddie Conkey Heather Barry Whittier Cecilia Frerotte, CPA Denise Lambertson Naturally Network

?? April is Full of Exciting Events! ?? We’re gearing up for another month of connection, opportunity, and innovation! Whether you’re looking to network, gain insights, or showcase your brand, there’s something for everyone in our Naturally New England community. ??? From industry networking to exclusive events that can help grow your business, April is packed with game-changing opportunities you won’t want to miss! ?? Make sure to RSVP here! https://lnkd.in/ggDA7zdP? Karen Farrell Jean Lizotte Allison Houle Bob Burke Prabal Chaudhri Andrew Criezis Jeremy Halpern Kamaal Jarrett Jacqueline Grady Smith Erik Drake John Burns Maria Dubuc Taja Dockendorf Melissa Martinelli Holly Long John Maggiore Kathleen O'Brien Nicolas McCoy Poorvi Patodia Maddie Conkey Heather Barry Whittier Cecilia Frerotte, CPA Denise Lambertson Naturally Network

?? Big News for Emerging Brands! ?? Last chance to apply for Whole Foods Market 2025 Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP)—an incredible opportunity for innovative, local, and emerging brands to take their business to the next level! ??? ?? What’s in it for you? ? Six-month program with mentorship from Whole Foods Market experts ? 12-week educational curriculum to help you scale ? $25,000 equity investment opportunity (managed by Austin Community Foundation) ? A chance to get your product on Whole Foods Market shelves in your home city or region! Only 10 founders will be selected for this game-changing opportunity. If you’re ready to grow, connect, and bring fresh, innovative products to market, this is your moment! ? Apply here today! ?? https://lnkd.in/ePan6Hh7 Karen Farrell Jean Lizotte Allison Houle Bob Burke Prabal Chaudhri Andrew Criezis Jeremy Halpern Kamaal Jarrett Jacqueline Grady Smith Erik Drake John Burns Maria Dubuc Taja Dockendorf Melissa Martinelli Holly Long John Maggiore Kathleen O'Brien Nicolas McCoy Poorvi Patodia Maddie Conkey Heather Barry Whittier Cecilia Frerotte, CPA Denise Lambertson Naturally Network

Two Must-Attend Events This Week! Have You Signed Up? ?? March 18 | 12-1 PM ET | Virtual Event ?? How to Manage Demand Planning Calling all early-stage CPG founders! Struggling with forecasting, inventory management, or supply chain alignment? Join Kevin Mannering, partner at RodeoCPG & co-founder of SnoBase, for a powerful online workshop designed to help you streamline operations, optimize growth, and avoid costly missteps. Gain practical tools and expert insights to set your brand up for long-term success! A free demand planning template will be emailed out in advance of the session, but you have to be on the list to get it! RSVP Here ?? https://lnkd.in/dSUaVD9Y ?? March 19 | 9:30-11 AM | Burlington, VT ?? Sweet Insights: Tasting & Fireside Chat Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with Lake Champlain Chocolates | Certified B Corp! Enjoy a curated chocolate tasting while engaging in an intimate fireside chat with the leadership team. Learn about their journey, values, and commitment to quality while savoring some of their finest creations. ?? Your $25 ticket includes: ? Complimentary café drink ?? Guided chocolate tasting ?? Special take-home treat Grab your ticket here ?? https://lnkd.in/etTx5-N8 Karen Farrell Jean Lizotte Allison Houle Bob Burke Prabal Chaudhri Andrew Criezis Jeremy Halpern Kamaal Jarrett Jacqueline Grady Smith Erik Drake John Burns Maria Dubuc Taja Dockendorf Melissa Martinelli Holly Long John Maggiore Kathleen O'Brien Nicolas McCoy Poorvi Patodia Maddie Conkey Heather Barry Whittier Cecilia Frerotte, CPA Denise Lambertson Naturally Network

Whatever’s on your plate today, take a deep breath, keep going, and don’t forget to find a small moment of joy. You deserve it. ???? Karen Farrell Jean Lizotte Allison Houle Bob Burke Prabal Chaudhri Andrew Criezis Jeremy Halpern Kamaal Jarrett Jacqueline Grady Smith Erik Drake John Burns Maria Dubuc Taja Dockendorf Melissa Martinelli Holly Long John Maggiore Kathleen O'Brien Nicolas McCoy Poorvi Patodia Maddie Conkey Heather Barry Whittier Cecilia Frerotte, CPA Denise Lambertson Naturally Network

One day, you’re on top of the world, landing a dream client or selling out a product. The next, you’re staring at an inbox full of challenges, unexpected expenses, or a supply chain nightmare. ?? There are highs that make all the late nights worth it, and lows that make you question everything. But through it all, you keep going—because you believe in what you’re building. ??? If you’re in the thick of it, just know: you’re not alone. Every entrepreneur has been there. Keep riding the waves, leaning on your community, and remembering why you started. The next high might be just around the corner. ?? Tag a fellow small business owner who gets it. ??

?? Member Spotlight: Jim's Organic Coffee ?? Since day one, Jim’s Organic Coffee has been fueling more than just mornings—they’ve been a dedicated part of the Naturally New England community. Their commitment to organic, sustainably sourced coffee is something we admire, and their brews? Absolutely top-notch. We’re proud to feature Jim’s Organic Coffee and celebrate the impact they’re making.??? Photo sesh compliments of Carrington Crothers ???? #NaturallyNewEngland #MemberSpotlight #JimsOrganicCoffee

The Naturally Rising Pitch Slam Competition Is Coming Up! ?? Apply to Pitch Take the stage and pitch your brand in front of top investors, retailers, and industry leaders for unmatched exposure, expert mentorship, and the chance to win prizes to fuel your growth! Applications close March 24—don’t miss out! Pitch Application ?? https://lnkd.in/eyPJTwFv ?? Showcase Your Brand Feature your product or service in the Brand Showcase and connect with retailers, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Free for NNE members & Farm Fresh RI affiliates! Apply by March 24! Showcase Application ?? https://lnkd.in/epgPNeBj ?? Attend & Support Be part of an inspiring evening as emerging brands pitch their ideas, showcase innovation, and build meaningful connections. Your ticket includes an open bar, dinner, access to the pitch event, showcase hall, and top-tier networking! ? Space is limited & this event sells out every year— Register Here ?? https://lnkd.in/ezbaJ4Hi Karen Farrell Jean Lizotte Allison Houle Bob Burke Prabal Chaudhri Andrew Criezis Jeremy Halpern Kamaal Jarrett Jacqueline Grady Smith Erik Drake John Burns Maria Dubuc Taja Dockendorf Melissa Martinelli Holly Long John Maggiore Kathleen O'Brien Nicolas McCoy Poorvi Patodia Maddie Conkey Heather Barry Whittier Cecilia Frerotte, CPA Denise Lambertson Naturally Network

? Expo West Recap: Our Top Trend Alert? The People. ? Behind every brand is a founder’s journey—a labor of love, resilience, and passion. While trends come and go, the heart of this industry remains the people who pour everything into building something meaningful. At Expo West, we were reminded once again that this community is what makes it all so special. Despite the challenges, founders, supporters, and industry champions continue to show up—for each other, for innovation, and for the future of better food and products. So today, we’re celebrating YOU. Thank you for being part of this incredible ecosystem. Here’s to the people behind the brands that make it all possible! #ExpoWest #CPGCommunity #FoundersFirst