Get marketplace education, financial support, and more in this eight-week accelerator for small businesses and nonprofits dedicated to providing their communities with fresh food.
By applying to LadderUp, you agree to the LadderUp Application Terms and Conditions and Shipt Privacy Notice.
Applications accepted January 20, 2026 - February 20, 2026.
In the U.S., over 40 million people (almost 18%) live in food deserts. These are often low-income communities where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited. By leveraging our experience and resources in the tech space, LadderUp works with an array of organizations, from grocery stores to co-ops to farmers markets, to expand fresh-food access to these communities. Because we believe fresh food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of zip code.
Work with industry experts to refine your business strategy, level up your digital marketing, and learn how e-commerce and tech are changing grocery and food businesses.
Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a one-time, $5,000 grant.
Learning doesn’t end in the classroom. Get answers to your questions from our industry experts during mentor office hours.
Our first cohort will include 10 small businesses. Applications are open from January 20 to February 20, 2025.
Top applicants will participate in a brief virtual interview, and we'll notify all applicants of their status by March 2025.
The eight-week program starts on April 14. Virtual classes will take place Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT.
Learn more about 2025 LadderUp participants.
All sessions, including mentor office hours, will be virtual. Classes will be on Tuesdays between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. CDT. Shipt will send out a class calendar at the start of the program to all participating companies.
For more information or for questions regarding the program or application, email community@shipt.com