Schnucks Springboard Seeks Second Cohort to Participate in Local and Diverse-Owned Business Accelerator

Schnucks Springboard Seeks Second Cohort to Participate in Local and Diverse-Owned Business Accelerator

Those chosen will receive education, resources and access to Schnucks customers

ST. LOUIS, March 3, 2025 - Schnuck Markets, Inc., in partnership with Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, is seeking its second cohort of local and diverse-owned* businesses to participate in the Schnucks Springboard accelerator program. To apply, greater St. Louis, Missouri/Illinois metropolitan area business owners should visit schnucks.com/springboard prior to March 31, 2025.

To qualify, owners must:

• Own a privately-own company with a consumer packaged good product
• Have existing retail sales
• Offer a product that’s never been carried by Schnuck Markets, Inc.
• Meet food safety and insurance requirements by December 31, 2025 for participation in the shelf trial

Those accepted will receive onsite business development classes at Schnucks’ St. Louis headquarters as well as networking opportunities. Businesses who meet all requirements, including third-party certification when applicable, will also get $5,000 of equity-free funding and an in-store product trial at select Schnucks stores in 2026.

“We look forward to welcoming our second cohort to Schnucks Springboard and, ultimately, introducing their products to our customers," said Schnucks Senior Director of Merchandising Enablement and Supplier Diversity Adrian Moore. “We extend a special thanks to our partners at Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council for helping develop connections between corporations like Schnucks and businesses throughout our community.”

Schnucks Springboard began accepting applications for its first cohort in early 2024 and named the first 10 participants this past summer. Products from those companies will soon appear on shelves of select Schnucks stores for a trial run.

*Diverse-owned is defined as at least 51% owned, operated and managed by a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident that is a member of one or more of the following groups: Woman, Disabled, Black American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American, Hispanic American, LGBT and/or U.S. Military Veteran.

About Schnucks

Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets, Inc. is a third and fourth generation, family-owned grocery retailer committed to nourishing people’s lives. Schnucks operates 114 stores, serving customers in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin and employs nearly 12,000 teammates. According to Forbes’ 2024 rankings, Schnucks is the 203rd largest privately-owned company in the United States and the 13th largest privately-owned grocer. Schnucks is committed to helping communities thrive, and as a champion for reducing hunger, the company annually donates more than $15 million in food to pantries that help those in need.

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