CPG GROWTH SERIES
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Naturally Chicago CPG Growth Series is a curated programming experience, designed to accelerate the rise of founders and brands who are shaping the future of consumer packaged goods in Chicago.
From product innovation to capital readiness to celebrating the women driving the next generation of CPG, the Growth Series brings Chicago’s most promising founders into the room with the mentors, investors and strategic partners — industry leaders who can help them scale.
Naturally Chicago is part of the Naturally Network, a national organization of 10 regional chapters that fosters thriving communities for mission-driven, better-for-people and better-for-the-planet brands.
SERIES PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES- $10,000
Title Sponsor
Premier logo placement on all event materials — top position above all other sponsors
VIP tickets to each event
Opportunity to host a session at an event of your choice
Keynote introduction or featured speaking opportunity at the Women in CPG flagship event
Featured sponsor spotlight — dedicated post, newsletter article and website profile
PART 1 — Founders Intensive + Celebration
Mid-September
The series opens with a day built for builders. The Founders Intensive is a hands-on product innovation experience, at which innovators roll up their sleeves, challenge their assumptions and sharpen their brands — together.
Then we celebrate.
As the intensive wraps, the evening transforms into a community celebration honoring the creativity, resilience and momentum of Chicago’s CPG founder community. This is where new ideas meet old friends, and where the energy of a new season takes hold.
Program Highlights:
Hands-on product innovation intensive with structured working sessions
Small cohort format — high engagement, real feedback
Peer-to-peer learning with fellow founders at every stage
Founder recognition and community celebration
Curated networking with mentors, operators and industry partners
Sets the tone for our fall programs — and for what’s possible when Chicago’s CPG community comes together.
PART 2 — Capital Intensive
In Partnership with Women’s Business Development Center
A Focused Capital Readiness Experience
Access to capital is one of the greatest barriers facing CPG founders. Our Capital Intensive — developed in partnership with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is built to change that.
Not by handing out money, but rather by making founders more fundable.
This focused half-day program gives founders the tools, language and confidence to pursue the capital they need to grow. It also puts them in direct conversation with the lenders, investors and advisors who can open doors.
Program Highlights:
Overview of the CPG funding landscape: grants, loans, angel investment, and mission-aligned capital sources
Financial storytelling: how to present your numbers with clarity and confidence
Panel with lenders and investors actively working with CPG brands
Access to WBDC resources and technical assistance programs
Focused capital readiness experience in partnership with a leading economic development organization.
PART 3 — Women in CPG
Presented at BMO (West Loop headquarters) |
The Series Flagship: Celebrating and Elevating Women in CPG
The Growth Series closes with its most powerful event.
Women in CPG — presented in partnership at the BMO tower — is an experience celebrating and investing in the women founders and leaders driving innovation across food, beverage, beauty and wellness. Elevated programming, networking, and impact.
Women hold 85 percent of the purchasing power of consumer products, yet women founders continue to face disproportionate barriers to capital, mentorship and market access. Women in CPG exists to close that gap, convening a community of founders, funders, buyers and advocates for a day of high-impact programming and genuine connection.
Program Highlights:
Keynote conversations with women CPG founders and executives
Panel on growth strategy, retail readiness and brand-building
Founder recognition and celebration honoring women leaders in CPG
Community and peer connection across all stages of growth
The series flagship celebrates and supports women founders in the CPG space with elevated programming and networking.
PARTNERSHIP
Ready to partner with us?
- Logo on event signage
- 1 VIP ticket per event
- Social media thank-you post
- Host Committee Private Reception
- Logo on event signage & website
- Product inclusion in swag bags
- 2 VIP tickets to each event
- Social media mention
- Host Committee Private Reception
- Logo on event materials & website
- Product inclusion in both event swag bags
- On-stage mention & speaking opportunity
- 4 VIP tickets to each event
- Social media + newsletter highlight
- Host Committee Private Reception
- Series naming rights: your organization named as the presenting sponsor across all three events
- Premier logo placement on all event materials
- Keynote introduction or featured speaking opportunity
- Exclusive Title Sponsor private reception with founders, investors and key partners
- 6 VIP tickets to each event
- Product or branded materials featured prominently in swag bags across all three events
- Featured sponsor spotlight
- Priority first-right-of-renewal for the following season
- Co-branded promotional content in pre-event outreach
NEXT STEPS:
1) DECIDE how you can best engage with our community across the fall series.
2) CONNECT reach out to: Joan McGloin — joan@naturallychicago.org
WHY PARTNER WITH US
1 CONNECTION
Naturally Chicago connects the most important regional leaders in our industry to exchange ideas, build relationships and explore new business opportunities.
2 ENGAGEMENT
The CPG Growth Series gives sponsors’ organizations the opportunity to engage with CPG founders, investors, buyers and emerging entrepreneurs across three high-impact fall events.
3 COMMUNITY
Three touchpoints for meaningful exposure and lasting community impact across Chicago’s CPG ecosystem.
