Over time, CT Food Launchpad has evolved into a one-stop shop for Connecticut-based emerging brands in foodservice and CPG. It serves as a resource hub for brands and solutions providers and includes free access to two comprehensive directories: One compiles young brands by category and distribution level, and the other offers resources for essential services such as legal advice, graphic design, pricing and operations insight.
“With CT Food Launchpad, we’re trying to make it easy for the right folks to connect with the right folks,” Immer said. “It sets the stage for constructive conversations, collaborations and events, both in person and digitally.”
Startup CPG serves the early-stage brand community through digital and in-person resources on a national level. The digital platform offers free access to databases of investors, CPG financing sources, retail chains, brokers, third-party logistics providers and distributors; an eponymous podcast featuring conversations with buyers, brands and experts; NielsenIQ (NIQ) category data; virtual networking mixers, educational webinars; and an active Slack community with more than 25,000 users.
“When I started Startup CPG, there was no national community for early-stage brands,” said Daniel Scharff, founder and CEO. “I homed my focus on the smallest brands because it’s hard for them. Regardless of where they’re located, these brands have the same challenges, but they weren’t connected to each other.”
Building a brand
Buyers are attracted to brands with an engaging story, a clear growth strategy and a path to profitability. Developing a product is one thing; transforming it into a lasting brand is something else. Julie Pryor, founder and CEO of EmergeCPG, works with early-stage brands to build out these desirable traits.
“I partner with founders to shape strategy and work closely with them to put that strategy into action,” she said. “When you are clear on your brand’s purpose, mission and vision, everything benefits. You make decisions faster.”
That clarity is at the core of Emerge’s multi-track process, which supports early-stage brands with personalized strategy, direct access to leading CPG experts and peers, category insights from NIQ and SPINS, live workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and retail and distribution connections.
Pryor also introduces founders to mentors, specialists and solutions based on their specific needs, which can include funding, brokers, packaging, logistics, paid media and leadership development.
This story has been adapted from the 2025 New Products Annual of Commercial Baking. Read the full story in the digital edition here.