Q&A Session with Ben Bacon: Application Guidance for Naturally Rising

Wednesday, January 22nd

4:00 - 5:00 pm MT

ZOOM

Are you interested in applying to pitch at Naturally Rising but have questions about the process? Join us for an hour-long Q&A session with last year's Pitch Slam winner, Ben Bacon​. Ben will guide you through the application process, answer any questions you might have, and provide tips on making your submission stand out. This interactive session is designed for prospective applicants, so come ready with any questions about eligibility, requirements, and how to best approach the application.

Lentiful Successes Since Pitching in Naturally Boulder/Colorado in 2024

• Went from 160 stores to over 1,000 including Whole Foods, Walmart, Wegmans and Hy-Vee
• Launched a Low Sodium line of products (4 new SKUs) due to overwhelming customer demand (they now make up 40% of our online sales)
• Ecommerce - sold $1M+ annually on Shopify in just our second year; driven by Facebook/Instagram ads
• Expanding nationally with Whole Foods Market in 2025

Whether you're in the early stages of considering applying or are already preparing your materials, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to submit a strong application.

What to Expect:

• Overview of the application process
• Insights into what makes a strong application
• Tips for completing the application form
• Answers to any specific questions you may have

How to Join:

This session will be held virtually. Please RSVP to secure your spot, and we will send you the event link closer to the date.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your application journey!

Why should you apply for the Naturally Rising Pitch Competition?

Applicants:

• All applicants will get access to the Naturally Network Retail Ready Lab exclusive content: foundational curriculum that advances readiness for retail. The program will target new, industry entrants, early-stage, and emerging brands. A self-serve and self-guided educational opportunity - members can access content at their own pace.

Finalists:

• Finalists will have access to a Pitch Coach, Whole Foods Market Forager, and Analytics Expert to prepare for competition day. Ben Bacon, the 2024 Pitch Slam winner will also review and help you sharpen up your pitch from a fellow founder perspective.
• Last year's prize package included $8,500 in cold hard cash along with over $90,000 in business services.
• This year, the winner will earn a coveted booth at Newtopia Now and a direct path into Naturally Network's national competition
• Of course we will have more cold hard cash and business services that will be announced soon

We have arranged for a few different opportunities for you to connect with pitch experts and industry professionals who will help you prepare for the pitch.

1. Ben Bacon​, founder of Lentiful and the 2024 Pitch Slam Winner. Ben will review and help you sharpen up your pitch from a fellow founder perspective
2. Ron Ben-Joseph​ with Artful Speaking, will help give tips on messaging, pitch structure, and all around confidence delivery.
3. Darcy Landis​ from Whole Foods will share what she looks for in a winning company