Providing the support and guidance small brands and retailers need to thrive and grow.
Mentorship and practical support for small and independent brands
Retailers United is a San Diego–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps small and independent U.S. brands and retailers build durable, profitable businesses.
We connect founders with senior retail, sourcing, finance and technology executives for one-on-one mentorship and practical workshops. We give priority to founders from underrepresented backgrounds, including women, founders of color, immigrants and first-time entrepreneurs, and to brands committed to sustainable or domestic manufacturing.
What we do
One-on-one executive mentorship
We match a founder with a member of our Executive or Advisory Board whose experience fits the problem in front of them: pricing and margins, sourcing and supply chain, wholesale and e-commerce growth, or preparing to raise capital.
Workshops and office hours
Small-group virtual sessions led by our board members on the practical questions small brands face, plus open office hours where founders can bring a specific challenge and get direct advice.
Our most recent pitch competition winner
Angela Johnson and Sherri Barry of FABRIC Tempe won a $10,000 grant. FABRIC is a nonprofit fashion incubator, accelerator and manufacturer in Tempe, Arizona, that helps apparel entrepreneurs make their products in the United States.
Retailers United is a 501(c)(3) public charity · EIN 85-0604201 · 4955 Maynard Street, San Diego, CA 92122 · info@retailersunited.org
Congratulations!
To our latest winners, Angela Johnson and Sherri Barry of FABRIC Tempe, a non-profit fashion incubator, business accelerator, design studio, academy, and manufacturer that is sustainably disrupting, redefining and reshoring the fashion industry for the modern apparel entrepreneur.
“Retailers United means transformation. I was able to get a mentorship that transformed the strategic development of my company.
Not only did we align our supply chain, but we were able to hit profit goals and to connect with our consumer in a much better and deeper way. We were also able to make more connections in the industry that are helping this company grow beyond our original plan.”
— Christina Liedtke, Founder of ASTOURI