Project Potluck

Come through Thursday for a candid conversation about how to raise capital in challenging times.?We've got the folx from Bags here to chat about shortening your cash conversion cycle, alternative financing, leveraging debt to fuel growth, different types of loans and how to get approve and different types of lenders and what to look out for in the process of applying.?We'll spend time learning but leave plenty of time for Q&A. And following this session you'll have the opportunity to sign up for office hours with the Bags folx to talk through questions specific to your situation. If you're a Potluck member, you can RSVP on our Community Portal. If you're a Person of Color in CPG but not a member yet and want to attend, hit me up at [email protected]. See y'all there!

Did you know that food cooperative shoppers are socially conscious, trend forward, and among the most committed natural products buyers in the country? ?? We are thrilled to host National Co+op Grocers (NCG) on October 15th for a Retail Real Talk session for our Project Potluck members. We'll chat about the benefits of working with cooperatives and NCG and learn the optimal approach to share products with category managers to get on the shelves. Attendees will get the chance to learn insider knowledge AND network with and ask questions of folx from NCG in breakout rooms. Potluck fam -- you don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network. ?? If you're a Project Potluck member, check the Community Portal or our last newsletter for details on how to sign up. And if you're a Person of Color in CPG and not yet a member -- pull up! It's free to join and we've got lots going on. You can email me at [email protected] for more info and/or to RSVP. Can't wait to host you, Heidi Traore, Morgan Organ and Jason Stein. #pocincpg #diversity #equityontheshelf #Retail #Networking #ProjectPotluck #RealTalkRetail #NaturalProducts #CommunityMembers #WebinarDiscussion

Who's hitting up Newtopia Now in a few weeks? We can't wait to see everyone there! All BIPOC folx and Project Potluck Members are cordially invited to grab coffee, breakfast and some swag with us at our event with VMG Partners' Parity Collective on Tuesday morning (8/27). We'll have Alisa (Williams) Carmichael and Aurora James there and it'll be a wonderful time to network and fuel up for a great day at the show. Comment below or email [email protected] to secure an RSVP. And feel free to spread the word to any BIPOC folx who will be in attendance -- all are welcome. About: If you’re not familiar, The Parity Collective invests in early-stage BIPOC-founded businesses that are on a journey to become iconic consumer brands in food and beverage, beauty and personal care, pet products and services, and health and wellness. Ibraheem Basir, Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Arnulfo Ventura

**We see you, Project Potluck members** working to refine your pitch decks to get that money and get into retail. Your story is one of your most powerful assets and how you weave meaningful data into it can make or break your pitch. Join us on April 10th at 1pm EST to dive into the art of using data in your storytelling. We'll be chatting with experts at NielsenIQ who will be sharing tips and tricks on incorporating data to nail your pitch and how to access free data pulls from Byzzer?, NIQ's intuitive platform designed for emerging brands. Following the event we'll be offering office hours with NielsenIQ experts so you can ask them questions and get help 1:1. To RSVP check the latest newsletter, RSVP on the Community Portal or email [email protected] to get more info. If you're a Person of Color but not a member of Project Potluck yet, email [email protected] to RSVP.

Last year someone said our luncheon felt like being at a family reunion...and we couldn't agree more! We loved seeing everyone who joined us at the "Let's Come to the Table Luncheon" at Expo West and helped make it the most colorful room at the show. The vibes were high! Being in a room filled with almost 200 members of our fam was the very best way to end the week! Please share your feedback from the event (email [email protected] or comment below) so we can make it even better next year. Everyone who shares feedback will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a dope Project Potluck tote bag. Endless thanks to our amazing sponsors who helped make it happen: New Hope Network, Once Upon A Farm, Albertsons Companies, BOBABAM, Chobani, ForceBrands, Rocket Social Impact, Siddhi Capital, King Arthur Baking Company, Startr Co., Food Biz Wiz, NextWorld Evergreen, National Co+op Grocers. And our Board Members: Ibraheem Basir, Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Arnulfo Ventura

"I never thought I would be part of a room like this in my career...everyone was incredibly supportive and generous with their ideas and help. We gained so much value in such a short period of time!" - Attendee of last year's luncheon Y'all packed the room at last year's "Let's Come to the Table Networking Luncheon" at Expo West...so we are doing it again! This is *not* your average industry networking event. Our luncheon’s primary goal is to provide a safe space for POC professionals to connect with allies, other POC leaders, and network as a collective. The event will be a curated mix of our members and industry leaders, mentors, advisors, partners and allies. If you're a Person of Color and haven't yet RSVPed, reach out to [email protected] to be added to the list. Space is limited, but if you're an ally and would like to attend you can email [email protected]. Thank you to our amazing sponsors who helped make it happen: New Hope Network, Once Upon A Farm, Albertsons Companies, BOBABAM, Chobani, ForceBrands, Rocket Social Impact, Siddhi Capital, King Arthur Baking Company, Startr Co., Food Biz Wiz, NextWorld Evergreen, National Co+op Grocers. And our board members: Ibraheem Basir, Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Arnulfo Ventura