In September 2019, the Future Retail Lab accelerator programme will be launched. The programme is an initiative at eXpression Umeå, the business incubator that creates conditions for entrepreneurship in creative and cultural industries. In the Future Retail Lab, selected entrepreneurs and owner-operated companies will focus on the sustainable retail of the future together with industry experts and researchers.
For six months, companies participate in tailor-made workshops where the aim is to actively work on their own growth and business development and exchange experiences and knowledge with other participants.
The composition of the group has been considered an important aspect in the selection of participating companies.
-"We have aimed for a mix of companies from different genres of the industry and the group that will start the programme in the autumn will be an exciting and powerful mix of entrepreneurs facing a variety of opportunities and challenges. We have met brave, curious and energetic applicants during the selection process and we look forward to the autumn with excitement. It's going to be really good," says Annakarin Nyberg, programme manager at Future Retail Lab.
The application period ran from April to mid-May, after which interviews and selection took place.
The companies that have been accepted to the Future Retail Lab are WorldofBoardGames, Bigaro, Childrens House, Duå, Swedish Beauty Factory, Eljest, Team Scandi, Linné and Grankvist, Pia Stylist, Sisters in Law, H&H and Kaffefamiljen. The group represents a combination of new entrepreneurs and owner-operated companies in the retail sector.
The Future Retail Lab programme is a joint venture with the Swedish Retail Federation via the Swedish Merchants' Association Foundation and is also part-financed by EU structural funds. In autumn 2019, a pilot will be carried out in Umeå, with a view to opening up the programme to national participation.
For more information:
Annakarin Nyberg
Programme Manager, Future Retail Lab
annakarin.nyberg@expressionumea.se
eXpression Umeå is an incubator that supports the development of ideas and innovations in creative, artistic and cultural industries. eXpression offers an innovative environment for driven creators who are ready to develop their entrepreneurship.
The operation includes four different programmes, Summer eXpression, eXpress, eXpression Creatives and Future Retail Lab.
