Retail Launch Lab Mentorship Program

Retail Launch Lab is Naturally Colorado’s premier founder development program designed to help early-stage consumer packaged goods (CPG) businesses navigate growth, retail readiness, operations, sales strategy, branding, and industry connections.

This four-month cohort experience combines practical education, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities to help founders avoid common pitfalls, build industry confidence, and prepare for long-term success. Through expert guidance, peer collaboration, and real-world exposure, participants gain the tools, relationships, and support needed to grow purpose-driven brands with clarity and confidence.

Graduates leave the program with actionable business strategies, retail readiness resources, meaningful industry connections, a strong peer network, and a Naturally Colorado Retail Launch Lab certification.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON JULY 5TH. 

What You’ll Receive:

• Cohort-Based Learning
  • Learn alongside a curated group of Colorado founders facing similar growth challenges while building lasting relationships and accountability.
• Expert-Led Curriculum
  • Access structured online learning designed specifically for emerging CPG brands preparing for retail growth.
• Mentor Access
  • Connect directly with experienced founders, operators, retailers, distributors, and service providers who understand the realities of scaling a business.
• Retail Market Tour
  • Gain firsthand insights through guided retail visits, shelf analysis, and conversations about what drives success at retail.
• Distributor Tour
  • Explore the operational side of the industry with behind-the-scenes access to distribution infrastructure and supply chain insights.
• Community & Accountability
  • Build meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and industry leaders while receiving support throughout your growth journey.
• Graduation & Certification
  • Celebrate your accomplishments and receive recognition for your commitment to growth and professional development.

Program Structure:

• Duration: 4-Month Cohort Experience
• Time Commitment: Designed for founders who are actively committed to growing their business and preparing for retail success.
• Program includes:
  • One Kick-Off Session (90 minutes)
  • Six Virtual Learning Sessions (90 minutes each)
  • One Retail Market Tour (5–6 hours)
  • One Distributor Tour (2–3 hours)
  • Homework and implementation between sessions
  • Graduation Ceremony

Program Schedule:

• Week of August 10
  • Program Kick-Off
• Week of August 24
  • Retail Market Tour (In Person)
• Week of September 7
  • Market Assessment, Competitive Pricing & Margins
• Week of September 21
  • Understanding Retail
• Week of September 28
  • Building Your Retail Toolkit
• Week of October 12
  • Distributor Distribution Center Tour (In Person)
• Week of October 26
  • Promotion Strategy & Trade Spend
• Week of November 9
  • Buyer Presentations & Communication
• Week of November 23
  • On-Shelf Success
• Week of December 7
  • Graduation Ceremony (In Person)

Who Should Apply?

• Early-stage Colorado CPG founders
• Food, beverage, wellness, and natural products businesses
• Brands currently selling through farmers markets, retail stores, or e-commerce channels
• Founders preparing for retail growth
• Entrepreneurs seeking guidance, structure, mentorship, and industry support

*This Program Is Not Intended For:

• Individual job seekers
• Established national brands
• Founders still in the idea stage

Program Investment:

The Retail Launch Lab Mentorship Program delivers more than $3,000 in value and is available to participants for just $450.

• The program includes:
  • Full access to the Retail Launch Lab CPG Academy curriculum
  • Participation in a founder cohort
  • Personalized coaching sessions with experienced CPG experts
  • Peer learning opportunities
  • Industry tours
  • Direct access to mentors and industry leaders

This heavily subsidized investment helps emerging brands accelerate their path to retail readiness while ensuring strong founder commitment and engagement throughout the program.

Become a Mentor:

We’re building a network of experienced operators who are passionate about supporting the next generation of Colorado CPG founders.

As a mentor, coach, or advisor, you’ll provide targeted 30-minute or one-hour sessions focused on real-time business challenges across areas such as marketing, sales, finance, operations, and more. By sharing your expertise, you’ll help founders gain clarity, solve problems, and build momentum as they grow.

This flexible, high-impact opportunity is a meaningful way to strengthen Colorado’s natural products ecosystem while giving back to the community that helps businesses thrive.

Participation as a mentor, coach, or advisor is open exclusively to Naturally Colorado members.

Become a Mentor

Support the Next Generation of Colorado Brands

Retail Launch Lab exists because of partners committed to cultivating a thriving ecosystem for purpose-driven businesses. Sponsor support helps provide founders with education, mentorship, industry access, and meaningful opportunities to build sustainable, successful brands.

Thank you to our current program sponsors, KeHE and Bechamel CPG, for investing in Colorado’s next generation of natural products leaders.