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Accelerating Dairy Innovation WITH Real California Milk
Accelerating Dairy Innovation WITH Real California Milk
Applications are now open!
Deadline: August 4, 2025
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Now in its seventh year, the Real California Milk Excelerator has been a leading force in helping growth-stage startups scale innovative dairy products. In 2024, we expanded the program to support even earlier-stage founders—those with bold ideas that may be in the concept-stage with early or no revenue—by introducing the Incubator track. And the results were fantastic.
We're excited to bring both the Excelerator and Incubator tracks back for 2025. There’s one application, and based on your company’s stage, traction, and goals, we’ll place you into the track that’s the best fit for your business.
Program Features
Both tracks run 10 weeks and include:
Weekly virtual cohort programming
Stipends to support program participation
Mentorship from industry experts
Hands-on support in marketing, sales, product development, and scale-up
The opportunity to showcase your product to the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and key industry stakeholders
The program will culminate at our final event where both tracks will sample their products to the California Milk Advisory Board and the Excelerator cohort will participate in a pitch competition. Four winning cohort finalists will each receive $30,000 in marketing support. One of those four will go on to win a $100,000 grand prize after a 12-month sales competition.
TRACK OVERVIEW
Excelerator
Incubator
* The Real California Milk Seal certifies that milk and dairy products bearing the seal are made with milk from California's dairy farm families.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
- Beverages and Fluids
- Cheeses (Traditional, Artisanal, and Ethnic)
- Yogurts
- Butter Products
- Snacks
- Ready-to-eat or instant meals
- Dressings and Sauces
- Confectionaries
- Pet Products
- Personal Care
- Hair Care
- Skin Care
- Cosmetics
WHY CALIFORNIA?
California is the top dairy-producing state in the U.S., responsible for more than 19 percent of the nation's milk supply and a powerful infrastructure supporting the entire supply chain. The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)—an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture—represents the state’s dairy farm families and connects brands with resources across production, processing, retail, foodservice, and international export.
CMAB has the network, experience, and scale to help founders go from idea to shelf—and beyond. This includes category insight, product formulation, buyer introductions and trade show support.
The Real California Milk seal assures consumers of authentic dairy made with California milk from dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable practices. The RCM seal is a trusted symbol of origin and consumer appeal to differentiate products in the marketplace.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
| June 17, 2025 | Applications Open |
| August 4, 2025 | Applications Close |
| September 8, 2025 | Cohort Selection & Notification |
| October 2 – December 9, 2025 | Accelerator Program |
| Week of December 8, 2025 | Final Pitch Event in Napa |
How It Works
Submit an application and we’ll take it from there. Our team will evaluate your submission and determine which track—Excelerator or Incubator—is the right fit for your business. You bring the innovation - we'll help you scale.
WHY CALIFORNIA?
California is the top dairy-producing state in the U.S., responsible for more than 19 percent of the nation's milk supply and a powerful infrastructure supporting the entire supply chain. The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)—an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture—represents the state’s dairy farm families and connects brands with resources across production, processing, retail, foodservice, and international export.
CMAB has the network, experience, and scale to help founders go from idea to shelf—and beyond. This includes category insight, product formulation, buyer introductions and trade show support.
The Real California Milk seal assures consumers of authentic dairy made with California milk from dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable practices. The RCM seal is a trusted symbol of origin and consumer appeal to differentiate products in the marketplace.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
How It Works
Submit an application and we’ll take it from there. Our team will evaluate your submission and determine which track—Excelerator or Incubator—is the right fit for your business. You bring the innovation - we'll help you scale.
IN THE PRESS
California Milk Advisory Board and Partner VentureFuel Expand Support for Dairy-based Startups with Return of Real California Milk Excelerator Competition, Addition of Incubator Track
TRACY, Calif., June 17, 2025 – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and innovation consultancy VentureFuel today announced the opening of applications for the seventh Real California Milk Excelerator, one of the largest dairy-specific startup competitions in the world, along with the formalization of an Incubator track for early stage products.
FAQ
Do I need a fully developed product to apply?
No. Early-stage concepts are welcome through the Incubator track.
Do I apply for a specific track?
No. There is one application—we determine which track is the best fit for your business.
What kinds of companies are typically selected?
We choose a mix of early- and growth-stage companies with strong product potential, compelling founder stories, and a clear connection to dairy.
What does the time commitment look like?
The program will run for 10 weeks and includes 1–2 hours of programming per week. It’s built to be founder-friendly and flexible.
Do I need to be based in California?
No. You don’t need to live in California, but if selected, you must be willing to produce your product using California milk and use the Real California Milk seal if awarded funding.
Will I get access to retailers or investors?
Yes. You’ll have exposure to CMAB’s extensive network, including retailers, buyers, and investors. The final event also provides an opportunity to showcase your product directly.
What happens if I’m placed in the Incubator —can I apply again next year for the Excelerator?
Absolutely. The Incubator is built as a launchpad for earlier stage companies. We encourage you to use it as a steppingstone to strengthen your business for a chance to join next year’s Excelerator.
Can my product include plant-based ingredients if it’s dairy-based?
Yes, as long as it’s made with at least 50% dairy and meets all other eligibility criteria.
Is there a cost to participate or any equity taken?
No. There’s no cost to participate, and we don’t take equity. You’ll receive a stipend to support your work during the program. Excelerator participants are eligible to win up to $30K in marketing support (plus a shot at the $100K grand prize), and Incubator participants also have access to stipend funds to support their business and product growth, production and scaling using California milk.
Can international companies apply?
Yes, as long as you’re willing to produce your product using California milk and use the Real California Milk seal.
FAQ
Do I need a fully developed product to apply?
No. Early-stage concepts are welcome through the Incubator track.
Do I apply for a specific track?
No. There is one application—we determine which track is the best fit for your business.
What kinds of companies are typically selected?
We choose a mix of early- and growth-stage companies with strong product potential, compelling founder stories, and a clear connection to dairy.
What does the time commitment look like?
The program will run for 10 weeks and includes 1–2 hours of programming per week. It’s built to be founder-friendly and flexible.
Do I need to be based in California?
No. You don’t need to live in California, but if selected, you must be willing to produce your product using California milk and use the Real California Milk seal if awarded funding.
Will I get access to retailers or investors?
Yes. You’ll have exposure to CMAB’s extensive network, including retailers, buyers, and investors. The final event also provides an opportunity to showcase your product directly.
What happens if I’m placed in the Incubator —can I apply again next year for the Excelerator?
Absolutely. The Incubator is built as a launchpad for earlier stage companies. We encourage you to use it as a steppingstone to strengthen your business for a chance to join next year’s Excelerator.
Can my product include plant-based ingredients if it’s dairy-based?
Yes, as long as it’s made with at least 50% dairy and meets all other eligibility criteria.
Is there a cost to participate or any equity taken?
No. There’s no cost to participate, and we don’t take equity. You’ll receive a stipend to support your work during the program. Excelerator participants are eligible to win up to $30K in marketing support (plus a shot at the $100K grand prize), and Incubator participants also have access to stipend funds to support their business and product growth, production and scaling using California milk.
Can international companies apply?
Yes, as long as you’re willing to produce your product using California milk and use the Real California Milk seal.
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Have questions? Email us at RealCaliforniaMilk@venturefuel.net
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