Business Accelerator
Get useful tools, enhance your grocery business knowledge and introduce your product to Schnucks customers.
Congrats to Our 2025 Cohort!
We’re proud of our 2025 Springboard class. Learn more about the cohort below!
The Next Springboard Accelerator Is Coming Soon
Applications are currently closed. Be sure to check back in the spring to learn more and apply for our 2026 cohort.
Accelerate Your Business
In-Store Product Trial
After course completion, we’ll feature your product for a limited time in select Schnucks stores in Spring 2026. This shelf trial period allows you to reach new customers with your product!
$5,000 in Funding
We’ll grant you $5,000 in equity-free funding once you meet all the requirements, so you can continue to invest in and grow your business.
Weekly Onsite Business Development Classes
Classes will take place afternoons at the Schnucks home office in St. Louis, MO. Each class has been carefully crafted to provide you with grocery business knowledge, such as:
- Food Safety
- Pricing and Promotion
- Marketing and Engagement
- Distribution
- Pitching to Category Managers
Networking Opportunities and New Connections
Throughout the program, you’ll be given chances to connect with others in the industry, such as:
- A panel with Schnucks category managers.
- A pitch presentation to Schnucks leadership and other companies.
- Weekly classes in which you’ll chat with and work alongside your cohort members.
- Meetings with coaches.
Vendor Requirements
To qualify for Schnucks Springboard, you must:
- Be based in the greater St. Louis, Missouri/Illinois metropolitan area.
- 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. or any of its banners (e.g. Eatwell, Culinaria, Schnucks Fresh).
Shelf Trial Requirements
- Meet food safety and insurance requirements for shelf trial by 12/31/25.
- Obtain national or state third-party certification when applicable by 12/31/2025 that’s valid thru 5/31/2026.
Meet the 2025 Class
We’re excited to introduce our first Springboard cohort! Coming from all different backgrounds, these folks each offer unique products that we’re excited to feature on our shelves in spring 2026. Check them out via their linked websites below.
Cheryls Herbs Group
Recipient Name: Tiffany Jones
Location: Maplewood, MO
Product: Sustainably grown, high-quality teas and extracts.
FretFree Kitchen
Recipient Name: Victoria Palan
Location: Maryland Heights, MO
Product: Seasonal, chef-inspired sauces and seasonings.
FUFU n' Sauce
Recipient Name: Adjo Honsou
Location: St. Louis, MO
Product: Signature curry with an aromatic and well-balanced spice blend.
GOPO LLC
Recipient Name: Brooke Bartlett
Location: Fulton, MO
Product: Air popped and baked gourmet popcorn.
Louise's Granola Company
Recipient Name: Amanda Zitting & Leona Scifres
Location: St. Louis, MO
Product: Classic granola that is fresh, nutrient-dense and tastes good.
Mama Pacha Sabor
Recipient Name: Leslie Hernandez
Location: Florissant, MO
Product: Spice blends that deliver authentic Latin flavor using only natural ingredients, without preservatives or added salt.
Posie Pots
Recipient Name: Kay Wells
Location: St. Louis, MO
Product: A self-watering, eco-friendly planter designed to make plant care effortless while promoting sustainability.
SugarBot Sweet Shop & Creamery
Recipient Name: Jackie Huebbe
Location: St. Charles, MO
Product: Candied pecans and baked goods.
TeaVoila
Recipient Name: Souzan Gerami
Location: Wildwood, MO
Product: A patented, compostable cup with tea stored at the bottom of the cup.
Umland LLC
Recipient Name: Taylor Umland
Location: Carlock, IL
Product: Vacuum dried, gluten free and keto friendly 100% real crunchy cheese bites.
Meet the 2024 Class
We introduced our first Springboard cohort in 2024! Coming from all different backgrounds, these folks each offer unique products that were featured on our shelves in spring 2025. Check them out!
In Partnership with Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council
We’d like to extend a special thanks to our partners at Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that specializes in developing connections between top corporations and diverse-owned businesses.
Schnucks Springboard FAQs
*No more than two in-person classes can be missed in order to qualify for the funds.