About Us
:INCLUDED is a non-profit organization serving a diverse network of founders, industry leaders, and social impact champions. Our mission is to advance access, equity, and sustainable excellence in entrepreneurship, focusing on the consumer packaged food and beverage ecosystem.
We believe the collective impact of our advocacy will energize local economies, generate global innovation, and inspire resilient leaders of tomorrow, ultimately shaping a more vibrant and inclusive American experience.
Leaders of color innovate & engage in a capacity that earns placement at the forefront of any list, and we SHOUT OUT their accomplishments. We advocate for access to opportunities that beget a brighter quality of life; our collective success encourages future generations to pursue their chosen purpose with pride, passion & precedence.
In written text, a colon signifies oncoming multitudes. It’s used to connect ideas, amplify a word or phrase, or introduce a quote or explanation. In capturing the essence of entrepreneurial belonging, we believe our members to be that connective tissue between heritage & hegemony.
We invite you to join our movement to build the bridges of belonging. We are: inspiring, insightful, innovative.
WE ARE
:INCLUDED.
Our Collective Commitment
As CPG founders of color, we believe that giving back to our community is a powerful investment in moving our entire industry forward.
Access
We provide emerging entrepreneurs of color with direct and elevated access to transformative opportunities, growth networks and education that bridges the resource and community gap.
Amplification
We champion, endorse, and celebrate voices of color as innovators, thought leaders, and inspiring storytellers across the CPG ecosystem. Together, our influence enriches society and encourages a culture of belonging.
Advocacy
We advocate for more diverse and inclusive representation in the CPG industry through clear and consistent alignment with campaigns, policies, systems, and initiatives that impact founders of color.
A National Challenge
The U.S. Food & Beverage industry lacks diversity in leadership and on store shelves. In addition, founders of color face systemic barriers and limited access to resources and funding.
Lack of Ecosystem Diversity
% representation of leadership positions in the natural products industry
1% Indigenous
2% Black
6% Latino
9% Asian
Systemic Barriers
Black and Latino founders received only 1% and 1.5% respectively of total US venture capital funding.
$2.5% of VC Funding
Programs
Community Forums
We create space for peer-to-peer resource sharing, network connections, and essential fellowship from peers
Education & Insights
We provide a platform where CPG subject-matter experts share insights and best practices on challenges and current events
Sponsored Access
We partner with platforms to act as a conduit to growth opportunities for professional and personal development
Measuring Impact
Our collective commitment focuses on providing access, amplification, and advocacy for entrepreneurs of color.
Highlighted Excerpts: 5-Year Impact Snapshot Report
$5M
Economic Value
500+
Diverse Founders & CEOs Served
250+
Emerging Entrepreneurs Showcased
2,500
Retailer Introductions
Access Full 5-Year Impact Snapshot Below
Change Agent Partners
