The 2025 ShelfMade
Founder Grant
Approximately
$130,000
In Services
+
$5,000
In Cash
One founder. One year. One breakthrough moment.
The ShelfMade Founder Grant exists to help one product-based founder scale smarter, faster, and with the support of the CPG industry’s top experts and partners.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted inside the free ShelfMade Community.
Here’s exactly how to apply once in the community:
Join the Free ShelfMade Community
This is where the official application link lives.
Click the button below to join the free
community (takes 30 seconds).
Find the “Apply to The Founder Grant” Button
Once inside the community, go to the top navigation bar. You’ll see an “APPLY to FOUNDER GRANT” button pinned at the top of your feed.
Your Page Will Look Like This
Who should
apply?
Directly from the official rules — this grant is for:
U.S.-based consumer product brands
Food, beverage, beauty, wellness, home, supplements, or any CPG product.
Brands with traction — not pre-launch
You must already be selling in at least one channel: Retail • Amazon • Faire • DTC • Wholesale
$250,000+ in revenue (last 12 months)
This ensures the support package will create real growth.
Founder must be 21+ and a legal U.S. resident
Privately owned brands
(Not majority-owned by an accelerator, corporation, or investment fund.)
Limit one application per company
If you meet these criteria and are ready to scale — this grant is for you.
What
you win
One founder will receive approximately $130,000 in high-impact services from our vetted ShelfMade Partners, plus $5,000 in cash.
$130,000+
in Support Services
from Leading CPG Partners
$5,000
Stay Swag Happy — Swag Package
Premium custom merch to elevate brand presence & sampling.
$15,000
3 months
Rachel Kay / FINN Partners — PR Support
Strategic PR to help your brand earn press & credibility.
$6,000
Boyle Brands — Manufacturing Search/Consulting
Manufacturer sourcing + consulting to optimize your production.
$15,000
Odyssey People — Recruiting or HR Consulting
Hire key roles or strengthen your people systems.
$15,000
Northstar CPG — 6 Months Indie Outreach + INFRA/NCG Strategy
Indie retail expansion + natural channel strategy.
$8,500
Vismerch — 1-Year Subscription + White-Glove Onboarding
Professional merchandising tools for better shelf execution.
$10,000
Strike Partners (David Kram) — Capital Advisory + Investor Readiness
Financial modeling, pitch refinement and investor preparation.
$6,000
Cult n culture — Fractional Brand Marketing
Strengthen your brand identity, messaging & campaigns.
$15,000
6 months
Elite Commerce Group — Amazon Management
Amazon strategy + listing optimization + account management.
$15,000
6 months
CPG Collective — Fractional Sales Agency Support
Sales strategy + outreach + retail acquisition support.
$5,000
Elazab Legal — Legal Consulting Package
Contracts, brand protection, compliance & more.
$6,000
Satellite CPG — Dynamic Sales Sheet Package
Retail-ready sales sheets that actually sell.
$15,000
Post E-Commerce — Digital Marketing Support
Email marketing, SEO, and digital optimization.
Shelfmade Founder Grant Timeline
Dec 1–10
Application Window
Dec 11–17
Judging + FOUR Finalists Selected
Dec 17
Finalists Announced Live
Dec 17
One Winner Announced During Live Broadcast
Dec 17–
Jan 17
Winner Onboarding + Support Launch
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this equity-free?
Yes. This is a grant. No equity, no strings attached.
Does being active in the community help my chances?
No — the judging is based solely on the official contest criteria.
Can I apply if I’m pre-launch?
No. Your product must already be on the market.
Founder must be 21+ and a legal U.S. resident
No purchase necessary. Must be 18 and a legal resident of the United States. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries. Void where prohibited. Winners may be liable for taxes. By entering you agree to the official rules . See official rules for complete details at www.shelfmadecpg.com.
