| Time | Activity |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | HOW TO INTRODUCE YOUR BUSINESS AND PRODUCTS TO THE US MARKET, Part I: Bob Burke will present the fundamentals and cautions of entering the US market whether as a branded line or as a supplier, as well as tips for staying on store shelves. They will also highlight key hot new product categories which many New Zealanders are well-positioned to address. |
| 9:00-10:30 AM | CASE STUDIES FOR BUSINESSES WHO WANT TO ENTER THE US MARKET THROUGH RETAIL AND eCOMMERCE CHANNELS |
| 10:30-10:45 AM | Coffee/Tea/Restroom Break |
| 10:45-12:15 PM | 2nd ROUND CASE STUDIES FOR BUSINESSES WHO WANT TO ENTER THE US MARKET |
Case Study Panelists
- Mel Auld, Zespri Global Marketing Manager
- Elliot Begoun, Founder/CEO, The Intertwine Group; Investment Advisor & Investor (US)
- Bob Burke, Principal, Natural Products Consulting (US)
- Betsy McGinn, Founder of McGinn eComm
- Walter Robb, Former Co-CEO Whole Foods; Investment Advisor and Angel Investor (US)
- Corinne Shindelar, CEO, Independent Natural Foods Retailers Association (US)
| 12:15-1:15 PM | Lunch with speaker Corinne Shindelar, CEO of the US $2B Independent Natural Foods Retailers Association “Opportunities for NZ Businesses with INFRA” |
| 1:15-2:00 PM | Coffee/Tea/Restroom Break |
| 2:00-4:00 PM | 4 Pre-Screened Entrepreneurs will make their cases for investments to a gathering of angel, institutional and venture investors. Successful candidates will secure investors’ commitments to host a second, more in-depth meeting. Institute attendees will have the opportunity to watch and learn from actual pitches and responses with real investments on the line. |
| 4:00-4:15 PM | Closing Ceremony |
| 4:15-5:30 PM | Individual 1:1 Coaching sessions with Gary, Walter, Bob and other experts. If you have a specific challenge or opportunity you’d like to discuss, this will be your chance to have a 15-20 minute private consult. |
