Recently, Cratejoy wrapped up our inaugural Subscription Box Accelerator Program, an intensive six-week course for selected subscription box entrepreneurs. Participants at all different stages of their business journey worked to build a prelaunch (or relaunch) campaign to onboard new leads, grow their subscriber and social media bases, and develop a strong marketing presence, among other goals.
“Although we previously sought the help of business professionals and lawyers… [t]he program gave us the tools and strategies to approach situations – such as negotiating prices, communicating strongly with vendors and customers, and how to maintain a strong online/social media presence – with more understanding than before.” -Melanie McKnight and Sarah Khan, Unplugged Book Box
The Accelerator’s array of mentor-led webinars, weekly office hours, challenging ecommerce tasks and supportive Facebook community of experts and participants helped our merchants to launch their businesses successfully within three weeks of the program’s close.
“The live mentorship and direct access to industry experts made launching a subscription box business smoother… [in the Facebook community,] the Accelerator Program provided us a group of talented individuals with diverse skill sets who could help resolve hurdles in minutes.” -Paul Nguyen, Half It
Our Accelerator Program was extremely selective, with hundreds of applicants, and proved challenging for those selected. Throughout it all, the program’s first-ever cohort strove to excel in their assigned tasks: always tweaking their work to do better, offering support and guidance, and leaning on others for feedback.
“A huge thank you to the Cratejoy Accelerator Team of Fall 2018! I have grown as a subscription box owner, and strengthened my overall business in many areas…. Our group in the program was encouraging, supportive and kind – so excited to see everyone launch and grow together!” -Betsy Wild, We Craft Box
It’s been an amazing experience to see this community grow as individual entrepreneurs and as a group. We feel confident that these businesses will go on to do great things as they grow and scale!
Read our list of successful Accelerator participants who launched by the end of the program – and check out their Marketplace listings below.
Megan Beirne, Baby Eden Bundles
Baby Eden is the perfect monthly treat for new mothers and women preparing to be mothers, with individualized snack subscriptions based on where you are in your fertility journey.
Denise Gilmore-McPherson and Kala Garner, BetternessBox
Meet your wellness objectives with BetternessBox’s curation of luxurious beauty, bath, fitness, and self-care products each month.
Kimmie Iula and Katie McCormick, Bold Blossoms
Treat yourself to fresh flowers each month with Bold Blossoms, which delivers a beautiful, specially-designed bouquet to every subscriber.
Pam Farley, Comic Crate
Comic books are perfect reading material for reluctant readers, English language learners, and kids in general – each month they can engage their imaginations and learn with new stories.
Michael Green, Frenchie Box
This subscription caters to French bulldogs and the people who love them, with 4-6 fun, exciting toys, treats, and other products for your doggo.
Jan Patel, Glamour Jewelry Box
Get a new set of high-quality jewelry monthly, with a boutique bracelet, necklace, and earrings or ring in every box.
Paul Nguyen, Half It
Athletes will love Half It’s mix of international foods, protein-rich snacks, workout apparel, and outdoorsy gear from already-beloved brands as well as Half It’s own unique products.
Lauren Samar, Happy Hook Crocheting
Whether you’re a longtime crocheter or a novice, Happy Hook has a craft project – and tools – for you, from beginner projects like shawls to more complicated endeavors like hats or afghans.
Cornelia Brantner, HelloBible
Christian families will love one of HelloBible’s two subscriptions, which provides your child with an educational activity book and craft kit each month inspired by a story from the Old Testament or the Gospels.
Jennifer Jaki Johnson, Jetsetter Chic
Ambitious, adventurous women will love this subscription’s variety of luxury travel products, gourmet snacks, and travel news.
Elizabeth Rupp, Kawaii Craft Kits
Kawaii Craft Kits sends subscribers the tools to create Japanese crafts at home, featuring a different craft style each time.
Katie Gross, The Lash Artist Box
This bimonthly subscription is perfect for professional lash artists, with a ton of high-quality tools and supplies – and an exclusive community of industry professionals – to advance your career training at a fair price.
Edita Armatuni, Muse Illuminate
Learn how to excel in your professional and personal goals with Muse Illuminate’s motivational bestsellers, workbooks, and exclusive online tools.
Justin Coldiron and Ursurla Padilla, My Athlete Box
Women athletes at any budget will love My Athlete Box, with three subscription tiers offering everything from healthy foods and supplements to athletic gear, natural bath and body care, and workouts specially designed for subscribers.
Jay Vinson, My BBQ Box
My BBQ Box curates spice rubs and recipes to feature a unique regional cuisine of American barbecue each month.
Wendy Lattimore, Snail Mail for Kids
Children receive a weekly letter from Sunny the Mail Snail about his fun, imaginative and educational adventures across the globe.
Joe Bereski, Sports Box Co.
This subscription ships your child curated boxes for their favorite sport, with training equipment and gear to grow their skills.
Ashley Greeno, Ten Thousand Cookies
This gluten-free cookie subscription offers the twist that the proceeds of each box goes toward fundraising the Greeno family’s adoption.
Sarah Khan and Melanie McKnight, Unplugged Book Box
Readers can treat their brain and soul with Unplugged’s monthly book – always a newly released novel – and assorted self-care products.
Betsy Wild, We Craft Box
We Craft Box offers your family the chance to bond, with art projects for parents and kids to make together.
