AccelFoods - New Accelerator Platform will provide operational support and capital to Early-Stage Packaged Food and Beverage Businesses - Launches Nationwide

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AccelFoods, a New York based accelerator for early-stage packaged food and beverage brands, announced today the launch of its website (www.accelfoods.com). AccelFoods is a platform comprised of dedicated corporate sponsors, mentors, investors and operating executives, all with extensive experience in the packaged food and beverage space. With the launch of the website, AccelFoods is opening applications to entrepreneurs interested in being one of four companies selected to participate in its first program (http://accelfoods.com/join-accelfoods/). AccelFoods will invest in each selected company, provide hands-on support and leverage the services of corporate sponsors, including leading distributors, retailers, logistics providers and packaging companies.

Developed by Jordan Gaspar and Lauren Jupiter, AccelFoods was conceived to further their shared passion for working with unique food and beverage businesses to help them scale more effectively and meet consumers' ever-evolving needs. AccelFoods is a sponsor-driven platform that provides entrepreneurs the resources needed to propel their brand. A dedicated team, investors and mentors have come together with the sponsors in the shared belief that entrepreneurs need more than capital to scale, they need engaged support to "grow big."

"AccelFoods will work with four companies at a time and offer the support of a six-month educational program. The team intends to run four programs over the course of the two-year platform starting in January 2014. The AccelFoods community will offer a holistic approach to help businesses position themselves to scale more effectively," said Jupiter. AccelFoods intends to work with companies generating revenues of $100,000-$500,000. Upon entering the accelerator platform, each company will receive an initial investment with the opportunity to receive additional funding at the completion of the six-month program. The program will provide support in the areas of sales, marketing, finance, legal, investor relations and operations from a team with former professional experience from organizations such as Campbell's, General Mills, Glaceau, Golden Seeds, Morrison Cohen LLP, and UBS. While based in New York, AccelFoods intends to work with applicants nationwide and will not require relocation to participate in the program.

Key sponsors of the platform include United Natural Foods, Inc., JetBlue Airways, Unisource Logistic Solutions, a division of Unisource Worldwide, Inc., Bev Force/Food Force, Berry Plastics Corporation, FreshDirect, Square 1 Bank, Marks Paneth LLP and Morrison Cohen LLP, alongside a partnership with Ignite Sales Management and Consulting, who will provide key distribution and sales guidance for entrepreneurs in the program.

About AccelFoods
AccelFoods is an accelerator program for early-stage food companies loosely based on successful models in the technology sector. AccelFoods offers hands-on operational and financial support, a deep bench of mentors, strategic partnerships and capital in an effort to instill best practices in the businesses that it works with so that they can scale more effectively. For a full list of AccelFoods' mentors and strategic partners, visit the web site at http://accelfoods.com. Please follow AccelFoods on Twitter @AccelFoods

SOURCE AccelFoods