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RCME

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

Weekly virtual cohort programming

stipends

Stipends to support program participation 

mentor

Mentorship from industry experts 

support

Hands-on support in marketing, sales, product development, and scale-up 

showcase

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. 

RSVP to our Information Session! 

Interested in learning more about this year’s program? 

Join us for a virtual information session. Learn about our program, the two different tracks, the highlights of each, and the benefits of joining the Real California Milk network. Meet the program team and have your questions answered during an open Q&A. 

Date: July 15, 2025 
Time: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM PST

Meet Your Hosts
Jarett Margolis
Ben Yee
Beau-2

TRACK OVERVIEW

Excelerator

Company/Product Stage
Growth-stage with traction/revenue.
 
Eligibility
Must be ready to produce using California milk within 12 months and use the Real California Milk seal*. Commitment to sourcing CA dairy if selected as a winner.
 
Track Focus
Must be ready to produce using California milk within 12 months and use the Real California Milk seal*. Commitment to sourcing CA dairy if selected as a winner.
 
Event Access
In-person kickoff (in CA) and sampling + pitch at final event (in CA).
 
Monetary + In-Kind Benefits
A professionally produced :30 product commercial ($2,500 value), minimum $3,750 stipend + eligible for one of four $30K pitch finalist prizes. Finalists compete for $100K grand prize.

Incubator

Company/Product Stage
Pre-revenue or early-revenue.
 
Eligibility
Must be open to using California dairy, use the Real California Milk seal*, and developing toward Excelerator readiness. 
 
Track Focus
Product validation, business model testing and iteration
 
Event Access
Participate and sampling at final event (in CA).
 
Monetary + In-Kind Benefits
Access to stipend funds to support business and product growth, production and scaling using California milk.
 
 
 
 

* The Real California Milk Seal certifies that milk and dairy products bearing the seal are made with milk from California's dairy farm families. 

PROGRAM TIMELINE

June 16, 2025
Applications Open
 
July 11, 2025
Applications Close
 
September 8, 2025
Cohort Selection & Notification
 
October 2 to December 10, 2025
Accelerator Program
 
December 8, 2025
Final Pitch Event in Napa

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Startups
Entrepreneurs
Students
Chefs
Dairy Families
Processors
We’re seeking companies and startups building innovative dairy products or brands made with at least 50% dairy. Areas of interest include:
  • 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
*Spin-offs or new products from existing businesses are also eligible if they meet the criteria. 
052722_VFI_Social Ads_Client Program_CMAB Accelerator Program_3

WHY CALIFORNIA?

CMAB Banner-1

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. 

IN THE PRESS

CMAB - Applications Open - Static 2

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. 

real california milk Excelerator alumni

Have questions? Email us at RealCaliforniaMilk@venturefuel.net

Brought to you by

Real California Milk Seal
VentureFuel