Returning for its second year, the Land O'Lakes, Inc. Dairy Accelerator program is now accepting applications from dairy entrepreneurs for its 2018 program, which runs from mid-September through mid-December this year in Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.

Coming off a successful inaugural year in 2017, this year, the program is focusing on bringing in top-talent from within Land O’Lakes, Inc. to provide training and share expertise in the selected business topic areas.
A few of this year's experts include Raquel Melo, vice president of Innovation and New Business Development, Julie Anderla, director, integrated marketing communications, Sue Murray, director, brand & packaging design and Julie Scheife, director, digital engagement.

"The inaugural Land O'Lakes Dairy Accelerator was a tremendous success in our eyes. We were thrilled to share our knowledge and expertise with the five participating companies and, in turn, learned equally as much from them, especially about the importance of creativity and agility in innovation today," says Raquel Melo, vice president of Innovation and New Business Development at Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Making connections

The Dairy Accelerator provide connections, mentorship and support for the dairy entrepreneurs and Land O'Lakes is able to build its network of resources, gain insight on how to foster innovation and learn how the company can be more responsive to consumer demands.

It's about making connections, for entrepreneurs, and for Land O'Lakes. We are able to help elevate the dairy industry by partnering with people who are helping create and maintain demand for dairy products.

Support and mentorship

Dairy entrepreneurs selected for the program receive a $25,000 stipend to attend and will receive support and mentorship through a three-month accelerator program of panels, seminars and activities designed to help participants take their companies to the next level by gaining skills and insight from experts in areas such as finance, brand building, manufacturing, sales and leadership development. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to present their proposals and new business ideas to Land O'Lakes, Inc. leadership.

Land O'Lakes does not require equity from the participating companies. Deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. CDT June 29, 2018. Learn more at www.dairyaccelerator.landolakesinc.com.