Gopuff and Chris Paul Team Up To Launch “Put Me On,” a Small Business Accelerator Program for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

We’re excited to announce “Put Me On,” a small business accelerator program that brings together industry leaders and experts to support entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups and empower them to grow their businesses. 

Through “Put Me On,” underrepresented entrepreneurs who apply are selected to take part in a six-month program designed to help raise awareness of their respective brands through Gopuff’s platform while providing them with impactful tools and resources to help support and grow their businesses. This includes the launch and promotion of their products on Gopuff, access to monthly workshops hosted by industry leaders, networking events and one-on-one capacity building sessions with our Marketing, Merchandising, Supply Chain and other teams. Programming for each class will be tailored to meet their unique challenges and participants will also be able to work with us to leverage Gopuff Advertising Solutions, a service we provide that helps brands execute strategic ad campaigns on our platform. 

We developed “Put Me On” in partnership with NBA All-Star Chris Paul, who shares our mission to support entrepreneurs by bringing their products to more people.

“I’ve always had a strong passion for supporting entrepreneurs and bringing healthier foods and products to underserved communities,” said Paul. “Sharing in this mission and collaborating with Gopuff takes this work to the next level. Gopuff’s rapidly growing following and ability to add products to its platform immediately – and deliver to the hands of customers in minutes – is an invaluable resource for brands, and I’m looking forward to unlocking that further for the underrepresented entrepreneurs who need it most through ‘Put Me On.’”  

Together with Chris, we selected the first group of participants and Chris will serve as a program ambassador, providing time, resources, and connections to “Put Me On” participants. 

The first group of “Put Me On” participants are entrepreneurs in the beauty, home essentials, and food and beverage categories, and include: 

• A Dozen Cousins, combines taste, health and culture through their ready-to-eat rice and beans that are inspired by traditional Creole, Caribbean and Latin American recipes.

• Cards for All People, a toys and games company that creates fun, laugh out loud products by connecting diverse audiences through cultural experiences that bind them.

• Cool Cat Wine Spritzers, a refreshing line of low-calorie wine spritzers that are naturally flavored and gluten-free. 

• Donata Skinfood, offers all natural vegan personal care products that help feed and nourish the mind, body, skin and hair.

• French Toast Bites Ale, captures the delicious flavors of the popular Philadelphia street food, French Toast Bites, with comforting notes of maple syrup, rich brown sugar, spicy cinnamon and delicate vanilla. 

• Me & the Bees Lemonade, comes in five flavors and is all-natural, sweetened with honey and contains flax seed for added nutritional benefits.

• MUMGRY, handcrafts naturally nutritious and delicious nut butters made using only the good stuff. 

• Pipcorn, makes better-for-you, tastier versions of classic salty snacks, all from their non-GMO certified heirloom super corn.

At Gopuff, we’re passionate about leveraging our platform to increase visibility and connect brands to new customers to further grow their businesses. We’re excited to support these small businesses through “Put Me On.”

“As first-time entrepreneurs, Rafael and I know firsthand how impactful mentorship and community is in developing and growing a successful business,” said Yakir Gola, co-founder and co-CEO of Gopuff. “Chris Paul has dedicated his time off and on the court to support entrepreneurs and we are excited to work with him to help aspiring entrepreneurs grow their businesses and reach new customers.” Entrepreneurs interested in participating in “Put Me On” can apply to be part of the next cohort through the Put Me On website until October 24.