By Jamie Martin
Midwest Dairy has launched the Midwest Dairy Accelerator, a new eight-week virtual program designed to boost innovative dairy businesses. This initiative supports entrepreneurs looking to bring creative, dairy-based food products to the market.
Expanding on past collaborations with The Hatchery and No More Empty Pots, this accelerator offers a full business growth experience. The program combines expert mentorship, educational workshops, and networking with leaders across the dairy supply chain.
After a competitive selection process, four promising Midwest startups were chosen for the program:
- Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding (Chicago, IL): Offering unique frozen banana pudding with a variety of flavors.
- Rosebud Ice Cream (Glen Ellyn, IL): Providing soft serve ice cream in convenient pouches for easy snacking.
- Sugar Witch (St. Louis, MO): Creating small-batch ice cream sandwiches made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Over eight weeks, participants will explore topics such as consumer insights, product innovation, production partnerships, retail strategies, marketing, and business pitching. They will work with experts from leading brands, cooperatives, and universities for valuable industry guidance.
The program concludes with a live pitch event on September 3, 2025, at The Hatchery in Chicago. Entrepreneurs will present their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win $20,000 for the winner and $10,000 for the runner-up.
This accelerator highlights Midwest Dairy’s ongoing efforts to foster creativity, support small businesses, and advance the dairy industry. By focusing on innovative products and sustainable growth, the program helps meet consumer demand for new dairy offerings.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jesp62
Categories: National