Small Makers Awards
Starting December 2020
About Up & Comers
FOR THE SMALL MAKERS
AND TASTE SHAKERS
We’re proud to introduce the Up & Comers Small Makers Award. It’s a first of its kind program, made to help support small makers with big ideas.
The submission window is now closed. But you can still get in on the fun! Drop your email below and we'll let you know when the public vote phase opens up so you can show some love to your fave brands.
Voting begins February 1st
Winner selected February 16th
One hero Winner
One winner to rule them all. Our hero winner will receive $25,000, a spot on our shelves for at least a quarter, a one-hour mentorship opportunity with three judges as selected by Foxtrot, a chance to pitch their idea to Imaginary and marketing support worth $15,000.
BEST BRANDING
& PACKAGING
& PACKAGING
First impressions are important and this winner's packaging had our judges at hello. This category winner will receive $5,000, a spot on our shelves for at least a quarter, and marketing support worth $8,000.
INGREDIENT
INNOVATION
INNOVATION
Charcoal in cookies? Mushrooms in bread? We don't know. But what we do know is that this winner will impress the judges with their ability to make magic out of something unexpected. This category winner will receive $5,000, a spot on our shelves for at least a quarter, and marketing support worth $8,000.
JUST DAMN
GOOD
GOOD
It's just damn good. This is a food and bev contest after all. This category winner will receive $5,000, a spot on our shelves for at least a quarter, and marketing support worth $8,000.
BEST OF
CHICAGO
CHICAGO
The fan fave from the midwest. This fan favorite winner will receive a spot on our shelves for at least a quarter and marketing support worth $8,000.
BEST OF
DALLAS
DALLAS
The crowd pleaser from our friends down south. This fan favorite winner will receive a spot on our shelves for at least a quarter and marketing support worth $8,000.
BEST OF
D.C.
D.C.
The favorite from our nation's capital. This fan favorite winner will receive a spot on our shelves for at least a quarter and marketing support worth $8,000.
Schedule
Phase One
Dec 9 - Jan 10
And we're launched! Submissions are now open for applicants.
Phase Two
Jan 11 - Feb 16
Time to taste! Judges will use this time to judge submissions and decide on the finalists.
Phase Three
Feb 16 - March 31
Winner, winner, chicken dinner—we'll be announcing the winners on Feb. 16. Mentorship with the judges will begin and our pop up in DC will be held during this phase.
Brands that made it
Take a peek below at some of the small brands that have made it on our shelves.
FAQ
Got questions? We've got answers.
How are you choosing who moves through each phase?
Our merchandising team will choose the finalists based on several different factors. Typically, we select brands that we think will be successful based on the quality, packaging, and story behind each of the products. Once semi-finalists are chosen, these brands will be passed onto a panel of judges who will select the winners.
If I’m a winner, when do I need to have my product ready for shipments?
If your brand is one of the finalists, our stores will need to receive product by late February 2021. Our merchandising team will be in touch about specific timing and logistics.
What are the Up & Comers Small Makers Awards?
The Up & Comers Small Makers Awards (Up & Comers for short) is a sourcing program specifically focused on driving revenue for small businesses and tapping into our curation and community oriented brand values.
The submission window is now closed—but you can still get in on the fun! Drop your email below and we'll let you know when the public vote phase opens up so you can show some love to your fave brands.
