Are you ready to elevate your beauty brand to new heights? Beauty accelerator programs can provide the invaluable support and resources needed to help you scale your business. Below, we highlight some of the most renowned beauty retail accelerator programs in the US, including Sephora Accelerate and others.
1. Sephora Accelerate
Overview: Sephora Accelerate is more than just an incubator program. It offers a six-month journey to help early-stage beauty brands succeed through a robust curriculum, mentorship, and funding opportunities. The program is committed to diversity, focusing on people of color to ensure the beauty industry reflects the diversity of the Americas.
Eligibility:
- Must lead a North America-incorporated beauty brand.
- Founded or co-founded by someone at least 18 years old.
- The brand must be in its early stages and not widely distributed.
Application Process:
- Applications for the 2025 program will open in Fall 2024.
- The program runs from January to June.
Benefits:
- Mentorship from industry experts and Sephora leaders.
- Access to grants and potential additional funding.
- Opportunity to launch at Sephora North America.
Success Stories: Brands like Topicals, 54 Thrones, and Hyper Skin have achieved substantial visibility and success through the program, addressing various beauty needs, such as hyperpigmentation for darker skin tones.
Learn more and apply: Sephora Accelerate
2. Ulta Beauty's MUSE Accelerator
Overview: Ulta Beauty launched the MUSE Accelerator to support early-stage BIPOC beauty entrepreneurs. The program provides access to Ulta's vast retail network, mentorship, and funding.
Eligibility:
- Open to BIPOC beauty entrepreneurs.
- Must have a unique product that addresses an unmet need in the market.
Application Process:
- Detailed selection process with an emphasis on innovation and market potential.
Benefits:
- Mentorship from top industry experts.
- Potential funding and retail support.
- Networking opportunities with beauty industry leaders.
Success Stories: Participants have noted significant growth in their business operations and market presence after completing the program.
Learn more and apply: Ulta Beauty MUSE Accelerator
3. Target Takeoff: Beauty
Overview: Target Takeoff: Beauty is an accelerator program for beauty and wellness brands. It aims to help brands scale by providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed in retail.
Eligibility:
- It must be an early-stage brand with a compelling story and unique product offerings.
- Open to brands that align with Target's commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
Application Process:
- Applications typically open in early spring, with program commencement in the summer.
- The selection process is based on innovation, market potential, and alignment with Target's values.
Benefits:
- Intensive bootcamp sessions focused on retail strategy, marketing, and growth.
- Mentorship from Target leaders and beauty industry experts.
- Opportunity to pitch to Target's merchandising team for potential retail placement.
Success Stories: Brands that have gone through Target Takeoff have successfully launched in Target stores and online, significantly boosting their visibility and sales.
Learn more and apply: Target Takeoff: Beauty
4. Credo for Change
Overview: Credo for Change by Credo Beauty focuses on clean beauty brands led by BIPOCs and female entrepreneurs. The program supports brands that prioritize clean, sustainable, and transparent beauty products.
Eligibility:
- Open to BIPOC and female entrepreneurs with clean beauty brands.
- Must have a unique product that aligns with Credo’s clean beauty standards.
Application Process:
- A panel of clean beauty experts reviews applications.
- Selection criteria include product innovation, sustainability practices, and market readiness.
Benefits:
- Mentorship from Credo's in-house beauty experts.
- Opportunities for retail placement in Credo stores and online.
- Access to Credo's network of clean beauty advocates and influencers.
Success Stories: Participants have launched and expanded their clean beauty brands, gaining significant traction and customer loyalty through Credo's platform.
Learn more and apply: Credo for Change
5. The Estee Lauder Companies New Incubation Ventures
Overview: The Estee Lauder Companies’ New Incubation Ventures (NIV) is an accelerator program designed to support innovative beauty and wellness startups. NIV focuses on identifying and fostering new brands that have the potential to disrupt and redefine the beauty industry.
Eligibility:
- Open to startup beauty and wellness brands with innovative products.
- Preferably in the early stages, not widely distributed.
Application Process:
- Direct applications are submitted through the Estee Lauder Companies’ platform.
- Selection is based on innovation, market potential, and alignment with Estee Lauder’s strategic goals.
Benefits:
- Access to funding for product development and marketing.
- Mentorship from executives within the Estee Lauder Companies.
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential investors.
Success Stories: Numerous brands have credited NIV for helping them develop groundbreaking products and achieve rapid growth in the competitive beauty industry.
Learn more and apply: Estee Lauder Companies NIV
Conclusion
Whether you are just starting or looking to scale your beauty brand, these accelerator programs offer essential resources, mentorship, and funding to help you succeed. Participating in one of these programs can give you the support needed to elevate your brand and significantly impact the beauty industry.
