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How To Get Into and Manage Your First 5 Stores

Every SINGLE brand started in a local, independent store. Here's our recommendations for how to do so.

10 Elements Your CPG Pitch Deck Needs

Typically, fundraising is a long, arduous process, and we've seen it made worse by a weak presentation. Let's focus on the 10 elements your pitch deck needs for investors to take you seriously.

Nearby To National: A Miniseries With Indie CPG

A miniseries full of insights and actionable tips for brands looking to expand their retail footprint.

A Financial Look at Selling Wholesale: 27 CPG Companies Examined

We took a look at a bunch of companies to start building out some benchmarks to help you on your growth journey.

Breaking Down Beverage Production With Matt Matros

So, you’ve got an awesome idea for a beverage. You’ve made a few test batches at home, your friends think it’s amazing, and now you’re ready to scale it up. Let’s talk about what’s next.

Protect Your Purpose: Two Alternative Governance Structures For Your CPG Business

Fundraising does not have to come at the expenses of your values or mission. Let's talk about two different governance structures that protect your purpose.

7 Questions To Ask Prior Starting Your CPG Business

AKA soul searching 101. A little emotional planning goes a long way when you're starting a CPG business.

CPG Sales Strategy: More Stores ≠ Better

Most brands operate under the assumption that more stores = better but that’s not always the case. Let's talk about why.

CPG Research & Development 101

Many brands think Research & Development is an elusive process, reserved for scientists running around in lab coats. Spoiler alert: it's not.

In-Store Promotions Explained

In-store promotions are a necessary piece of the marketing puzzle for CPG brands. However, understanding the different ways they get charged creates a lot of confusion.

2022 Manufacturing and Supply Chain Outlook for Growing CPG Brands

Demand is at an all-time high for consumer products but…persistent supply chain disruptions are still the norm. Is help on the way 2022? Spoiler alert: it might be.

Your Direct To Consumer Brand: How To Launch Effectively

Mosts brands know a DTC strategy is a smart first step before venturing into retail. Let's cover how to do it right.

Universal Product Codes (UPCs) Explained

UPC codes are a small component of CPG products that seem to, often, trip brands up in a big way.

FREE Master Spec Sheet Template

Spec sheets can be a drag but they don't have to be. We built one and are giving it away for free.

Wheres My Cash? Sales & Ops Planning Overview + FREE Checklists

Ever wonder why it seems like your brand never has any money? Chances are it's, at least in part, due to a lack of communication.

Deductions 101

Deductions are typically the main point of contention between brands and their distributors. Let's outline the key things you need to be thinking about.

Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL) 101

Your site is up and running. Orders are flowing in … but wait a second — now you have to ship it. Lots of it. Over and over again. Let's talk about 3PLs.

Customer Persona Outline

We'd argue that identifying your customer is THE most important part of starting a brand yet most founders don't do it. Why?

2020 Outlook on Consumer Brand Marketing

Your customers want to know you. And they know when you’re faking it. It's all about telling an authentic story.

Raising Money on the Real

In a world where more capital is flowing into the CPG space than ever before, why does it still seem so damn hard to raise money?

How to Get Paid For Your R&D

Every brand is doing R&D. However, most don’t realize that they can actually get paid for it. Let's talk about how.

How To Leverage Data As A Young, Scrappy Brand

The largest, most successful brands all use data to make better decisions. As a small brand, you may think data is a luxury. We couldn’t disagree more.

The Various CPG Fundraising Options Explained and Compared

While brands/founders are often enamored by raising venture capital, there are lots of other options. Let's talk about them.

7 Ecommerce Apps The Best CPG Brands Use

The world of third party apps is dizzying. There are thousands and so many of them are great. To make things easier on you, we’ve highlighted 7 that we love and the top CPG companies are using.

How To Nail Your CPG Marketing in 2021

Each January brings fresh marketing perspectives. Shauna Armitage talks about what you need to be doing in 2021.

Pre-Launch Retail Market Research: A Checklist

Just because you can't afford to purchase data doesn't mean you should fly blind. Here's how to figure where your product fits into the broader marketplace...at almost no cost.

Questions To Ask Yourself When Designing CPG Packaging

Designing food and beverage packaging is definitely an art. However, there are some things that are critical to think through prior to engaging a creative resource.

The Components of a Strong DTC Site For Your CPG Brand

Like most things, simple is better. We’re going to outline the handful of things that should be a focus in the early days.

What's A Merchandiser and Why Do They Matter For Your CPG Business?

If you only use them to tell you what’s on the shelf, you are missing the opportunity to increase ROI.