Retail store owners in 10 cities across the country, including Detroit, can now apply for 2024 grants in Shipt’s accelerator program, LadderUp.
As part of Shipt’s commitment to boosting local economies, LadderUp helps retail grocery, health and wellness, gift, and floral store owners around the country grow and compete in an ever-evolving market.
In addition to Detroit, the other 10 focus cities are Birmingham (Ala.), Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago, Tampa, Charlotte, Houston, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Shipt officials state they have heard firsthand from retail store owners that bridging technology gaps and learning how to fully participate in e-commerce platforms are critical for their success and the ability to meet the needs of their communities. That’s what LadderUp is designed to address.
LadderUp was launched last year, and over the course of spring and summer 2023, Shipt welcomed and graduated the inaugural class of 10 retail store owners from across the country. All ten retail store owners demonstrated a real enthusiasm for growing their retail businesses, and a deep commitment to their communities.
Selected retail store owners will receive a $5,000 grant from Shipt to go toward their retail business operations. They’ll also go through an eight-week course to hear from retail industry leaders on driving sustainable growth, building a financial foundation, improving efficiency, developing better marketing, and learning e-commerce 101.
Participants also will have access to virtual mentoring office hours with course instructors. Upon program completion, participants should have the tools and resources to successfully navigate today’s e-commerce landscape.
“At Shipt, we believe in the power of people and recognize that small business owners build thriving communities,” says Khadijah Abdullah, vice president of economic and social impact for Shipt. “We understand the challenges retail store owners face in today’s ever-changing technological landscape and through LadderUp, we’re proud to help them grow and compete. We look forward to meeting this year’s participants and learning more about them and the communities they serve.”
In addition to being a key business and community priority for Shipt, LadderUp follows through on one of the commitments the company made at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Online shopping and delivery expands access to food in underserved communities, particularly for those with mobility or transportation barriers.
“LadderUp was a great opportunity for Fresh Houwse to learn firsthand, skills and techniques from leaders within certain industries and individuals from Shipt and how to utilize these resources to bring more opportunity to our community,” says Ivy Walls, owner of Houston-based Fresh Houwse Grocery. “If you’re a small business thinking of applying and you are ready to expand your reach and your knowledge of retail, LadderUp is for you.”
Applications will close on Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. To learn more and access this year’s application, visit Shipt.com/LadderUp.
