Target’s longstanding commitment to small businesses is a win for everyone. We help entrepreneurs grow, offer our guests unique and locally inspired products and strengthen communities nationwide. From industry-leading accelerator programs and supplier engagement to community partnerships and our merchants’ constant search for the next great brand to launch at Target, we’re deeply invested in supporting small businesses. Read on to learn how we’re bringing this commitment to life.
Accelerating small businesses
At Target, our magic mix of national, owned and small businesses and emerging brands offers our guests an assortment they’ve grown to love and count on. To make it all happen, our best-in-class merchants regularly bring in emerging, cutting-edge brands to complement our overall offerings.
Another way we find and welcome small businesses to Target? Investing in two industry-leading signature programs — Target Takeoff and Forward Founders — that have ultimately helped thousands of small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across our product categories. These programs are not only wide-reaching but also offer a combination of education, mentorship and capital unlike any other mass retailer, totaling more than 2,000 hours in programming and investing nearly $2 million in stipends and grants since 2021.
Target Takeoff: Since its inception in 2017, our marquee accelerator program has helped emerging consumer packaged goods brands grow and scale in preparation for launching at Target.
- Over 150 brands across categories have participated in our Target Takeoff program since 2017, including: Blueland (2025), Protein Pints (2025), Blanchard’s Coffee Co. (2025), Native Pet (2021), and Scotch Porter (2019)
- Over the span of several months, entrepreneurs participate in a curated curriculum, which includes mentorship, retail education and connections with Target leaders
- Target Takeoff alums from 2020-2025 have reached $66M in sales
- 10 brands have hit $1M or more in revenue since 2022
- Almost a quarter of brands that have been through Target Takeoff in 2025 have already hit $1 million in sales
Through the experience, we learned from experts how to best bring our plastic-free cleaning products to life at Target, execute successfully at scale and build strong partnerships to create a delightful Target guest experience.
Forward Founders: Since 2021, this program has focused on helping early-stage and diverse entrepreneurs learn more about the retail industry with the goal of getting access to proprietary tools and resources to develop and scale their business. More than 500 small business owners were supported through pro bono consulting, totaling over 700 hours.
Empowering entrepreneurs and connecting communities
We further extend our industry-leading expertise and resources to help those with big ideas find their path forward, grow their business and their brand and strengthen the communities we all call home.
For example, since 2020, Target has teamed up with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in Atlanta to fuel economic mobility for Black entrepreneurs. In 2024, we upped our commitment with a $1.5 million investment over three years, enabling small business growth and opportunity. Learn more about the partnership.
HBCU, Always
Target has long championed historically black college and university (HBCU) students on campus and beyond. Now, through the “HBCU, Always” campaign, Target and RICE are celebrating the lifelong bonds formed at HBCUs in a docu-style series. Learn more about the partnership.
Target and Target Foundation have a long-standing history of supporting organizations that focus on small business and entrepreneurship. One example: DreamSpring, a nonprofit small business loan fund that pairs affordable capital with targeted educational opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With funding from the Target Foundation, DreamSpring reached over 1,000 entrepreneurs with in-person education opportunities in 2024 alone.
Our partnership with Target Foundation has been transformational for the small business owners we serve. With access to capital and educational resources, entrepreneurs can confidently create jobs, bring needed services into our community, and plan for the road ahead.
Another example? In 2024, Target partnered with nonprofits, including SoLa Foundation, Our Village United and Sunshine Enterprises, to provide training, capital and networks for entrepreneurs. Select entrepreneurs received mentorship, access to retail insights and the chance to pitch their products at Pitch Forward, a Target-hosted competition which awarded $90,000 in prizes.
Your questions, answered
So, what does this all mean for small businesses, Target and the communities we serve? Let’s dig in.
What's in it for small businesses and entrepreneurs?
- Expert retail education: We share guidance, resources and our deep expertise across the full retail experience to help small businesses and entrepreneurs bring their products to market.
- Mentorship: Target leaders and experts work closely with them, serving as mentors, encouragers and support. Over time, thousands of small business mentorship connections have been made at Target.
- Expanded reach: Our programs have given thousands of entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with one of the nation’s largest retailers and, potentially, our millions of guests.
What are the benefits for Target?
- Always-on innovation: Small businesses bring fresh ideas, trend-forward products and unique perspectives.
- Diverse assortment: These fresh products and ideas help us expand our offerings with innovative and inclusive products that help us meet our guests’ ever-evolving needs.
- Stronger partnerships: And together, we create lasting connections that can grow and flourish within Target’s ecosystem.
How are we impacting the communities we serve?
- Economic growth: When small businesses succeed, local jobs and the local economy also grow.
- Representation: A wider variety of founders and products helps ensure that communities can see themselves reflected as they shop.
- Innovation for all: Supporting entrepreneurs fuels creativity and innovation, which, in turn, boosts the broader economy.
This all adds up to fulfilling entrepreneurs’ dreams and turning ideas into viable, thriving businesses.
Want to get involved?
- Shop small business: Learn more about the Target Takeoff accelerator program, including past participants you can shop and new brands coming soon.
- Jumpstart your business: Designed for early-stage consumer packaged goods businesses, Target’s Forward Founders program — with help from community partners — empowers emerging entrepreneurs with resources to scale for retail.
- Pitch us your business: If you are an established B2B or small business product brand — or simply have an idea for a new business to partner with Target — we want to hear from you.
- Learn and grow at every stage: Whether you're just starting out or scaling an established business, our Learning Center offers on-demand, best-in-class educational resources to support your journey.