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MAKER PROGRAMS

Build, grow and sell your brand with The Public

Explore our startup and retail programs for emerging food, retail & culinary brands

GROW WITH PUBLIC

Startup Program

Our Startup Program is a six-month, part-time immersion to support the next wave of emerging and early growth entrepreneurs. Founders are supported by a curated, elite network of experienced coaches and mentors and peers to advance mindset and actions.

Questions? Attend an info session or reach out to our community manager to learn more.

What's included in our Startup Program:

Expert sessions

Office hours and deep dive audits to dig into your business, product and operations

Peer-to-peer

Join other startup founders in small group, peer-to-peer sessions to share and learn

Coaching check-ins

Bi-weekly 1:1 check-ins with a mentor to build accountability and discipline to help scale

Markets & outposts

Showcase, promote and sell your brand through Public markets and retail outposts

BUILD WITH PUBLIC

Beta Retail Program

Launching a new brand or product, or looking to get customer feedback on a new recipe or approach? Our Beta Retail Program is designed to connect the next wave of emerging and early growth food brands, with our growing customer base of highly engaged food lovers.

SELL WITH PUBLIC

Retail Outposts

Our Outpost Program offers your brand access to Public's growing retail and fulfillment location network. Expand your reach through our network of neighborhood outpost locations, that bring everyone's favorite brands and experiences closer to home and work.

JhonRoots of Colombia

"The Public gave me the tools to keep pursuing my entrepreneurial path."

NoraMonarca Studio

"The program was well set up, and great to get tips from many different people. I learned a lot!"

Mariangel

"Sharing ups and downs and hearing other owners' journeys was encouraging."

Attend an Info Session

Join us at our free monthly Public for Makers Information Sessions and learn more about our startup programs and retail opportunities.

  • Thu Mar 2 - 10 am MST (online)
  • Thu Apr 6 - 10 am MST (online)
  • Thu May 4 - 10 am MST (online)
  • Thu Jun 1 - 10 am MST (online)

Frequently asked questions

We're primarily seeking food, retail and culinary startups building physical products and locations IRL (in real life), who have already launched in their home market, through online, pop-ups and/or initial locations.

You need to break through roadblocks in your business and unlock growth.

You want to expand, but have no time to scout locations and markets.

You've got your hands full already keeping 1-2 locations going.

You know you need to optimize channels, operations, supply chains.

You want to use technology as a competitive differentiator.

You could use some extra brains and hands at the table - right now.

Startup programs are offered on an ongoing basis, with rolling intakes. We've designed our programs to provide as much flexibility for time commitment and multiple session offerings.

Individual workshops are offered throughout the year, with varying days and times based on mentor availability.

Other online courses are built around recorded videos and downloadable worksheets. Our programs provide opportunities to connect through live small group sessions, 1:1 expert sessions and applying what you learn as part of the process.

Yes, our programs and workshops are exclusive for Public makers and brands (it's free). Find out how to build a free brand profile here.

Our curated roster of program and workshop mentors act as a braintrust of coaches, advisors, experts, alumni and peers who support Public makers and brands. Some mentors are compensated based on their level of engagement, while others volunteer their time in exchange for access to business and investment opportunities.

Most programs are delivered online via Zoom. You'll need an internet connection and the ability to stream audio and video to participate. A link and details on how to join will be included in your confirmation email. Selected in-person workshops and sessions are hosted with hub partners in each city, who also offer space and other benefits to Public member brands.

No, applications for startup programs are accepted on a rolling basis. Workshop and session offerings may vary on a semester basis.

There's no cost for our startup programs, but seats are limited and offered on an application basis to qualified brands.

Individual workshops are offered on a free and paid basis, depending on the workshop or event.

We're not an accelerator or fund. Our programs are designed to be pre-accelerator bootcamps that help you get ready to apply and enter other accelerator programs (some of who we partner actively with).

No, joining a Public startup program or workshop doesn't require you to give up equity in your company. That said, we and/or our partners may make direct investments in some brands through equity and/or royalty agreements on a case-by-case basis.

For sure! Have more questions about our startup programs and workshops? Book a 1:1 with our team here or email makers@publicfoodhub.com.

Special thanks to our program and workshop supporters