In a city famous for its food, Propeller envisions a local food system that is economically sustainable and vibrant, where local food products are manufactured here and shared with the world, building a stable local economy that ensures all its residents have enough to eat. Eligible businesses in the food focus area include:

Consumer Packaged Goods Brands

• For-profit 
• Environmentally sound practices, locally sourced ingredients, health benefits, or other compelling social or environmental benefits. 
• Priority Areas: Consumer packaged good brands seeking to 
  • Scale via wholesale strategies
  • Prepare retail readiness 
  • Bolster supply chain management for scaling and growth
  • Secure investment for retail expansion

The Challenge

Despite being known internationally for its culinary excellence, the pathway to launching a home grown consumer packaged food brand remains an uphill battle for many in New Orleans. Manufacturing space, co-packing, and distribution require careful planning and coordination. Propeller seeks to work with local food entrepreneurs to navigate complex business challenges while cultivating the infrastructure for more New Orleanians to share their unique products with the world.

Our Strategy

• The Impact Accelerator Program: Growth Track supports entrepreneurs with established businesses in growing revenues and staff 
• The Impact Accelerator Program: Startup Track supports early stage entrepreneurs with business planning and development of core business systems 
• Propeller Impact Fund II is a $3mm equity fund that prioritizes food CPG entrepreneurs.
• Food ventures receive 1:1 bid preparation support and connections to government and private sector contract opportunities.

Our Partners

Propeller currently partners with Target Corporation, Morrison Foods, and Ochsner Health Systems to provide mentorship and contract opportunities to food entrepreneurs. The New Orleans Startup Fund serves as our administrative partner for the Propeller Impact Fund II.

Our Impact

We have incubated and accelerator food companies that have gone on to raise millions in external investment and have scaled regionally and nationwide through wholesale and retail outlets such as Whole Foods, H-E-B, and Rouse’s. Click here to learn more about our impact. 

“Propeller’s team helped us achieve strategic goals, connected us with marketing support, and strengthened our team by introducing an incredible mentor.” Bhoomi Cane Water