Gopuff — started in 2013 by co-founders Rafael Ilishayev and Yakir Gola and headquartered in Northern Liberties—recently announced the second class of entrepreneurs that will be part of its “Put Me On” small business accelerator program. Ten brands from across the United States will take part in the program, which is 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.
“Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is a fundamental pillar of what we do at Gopuff because Rafael and I know firsthand the challenges of building a business from the ground up,” said Gola, who alongside Ilishayev, created the Gopuff concept while students at Drexel University. “The Put Me On program is a way for us to leverage our business model and resources to help others succeed, particularly entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities facing even greater obstacles. Running with the incredible success we had with the inaugural class, we’re so proud to announce this new group of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who are ready to take their brands to the next level.”
The second class of Put Me On participants includes entrepreneurs nationwide, including Barkin’ Creek (pet care needs), Boba X Ice Cream (ice cream with Asian-inspired flavors), dŌSA Naturals (scrubs, body butters, bath salts), Dosso Beauty (organic beauty supplier), GoOats Oatmeal Bites (oatmeal on-the-go), Hella Cocktail Co. (mixology), Hrbvor (herbal tea), Nunbelievable (cookies for a cause), Superfrau! (fizzy beverage that helps the planet), and Sweet Logic (Keto-friendly desserts).
The Put Me On program brings together industry leaders and experts to support entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups and empower them to grow their businesses.
“We’re on a mission to disrupt the ice cream industry and transform the All-American treat with Asian-inspired flavors and the cultural phenomenon of Boba,” says Charn Bak, co-founder of Boba One Ice-Cream.“Partnering with Gopuff’s ‘Put Me On’ program gives support to inspire a future where Asian Americans feel included, empowered, and proud to share our unique cultures and create a more fun, diverse and inclusive world.”
The first class of Put Me On participants saw overwhelming success in their business growth and strategy. For example, Cards for All People saw a 318% sales increase, and French Toast Bites Ale leveraged Gopuff’s business insights to land an Ale line extension with its investors – doubling the company’s portfolio of offerings within beer.
Gopuff is currently accepting applications for the third class of Put Me On participants. Find more information here.
