Meet the 2023 Accelerator Winners
Learn more about the winner and finalists from the Brazi Bites Latino Entrepreneur Accelerator Program.
ABOUT LEAP
Brazi Bites Co-Founder & CMO Junea Rocha created the Latino Entrepreneur Accelerator Program to support and uplift the next generation of minority leaders in CPG. As a successful Latina entrepreneur herself, leading Brazi Bites to become one of the fastest growing brands in the frozen food aisle, Junea understands the unique challenges entrepreneurs face and the obstacles of building a business from the ground up.
In the second edition of the Accelerator Program entrepreneurs had a chance to win a $10,000 business grant, a 12-week long mentorship, and support from Brazi Bites strategic partners across various business disciplines, including legal, public relations, creative, R&D and more at a value of $66,500.
To learn more visit BraziBites.com/LEAP.
Here are the winner and finalists of the 2023 Program. Congratulations to these incredible brands and founders!
Winner: Date Better Snacks
When Valdez-Wilton’s two restaurants in Eagle Rock, CA shut down during the pandemic, the Date Better Snacks founder and CEO began experimenting with medjool dates and organic chocolate in her home kitchen. With her background as a pastry chef, she set out to bring natural, clean-ingredient sweets to the CPG landscape, filling a gap for healthy, indulgent treat alternatives to candy bars.
Date Better Snacks aims to bring sweetness to the world without refined sugar. It’s not just about saying no to sugar; it’s about saying yes to a vibrant, balanced lifestyle.
Founder: Michelle Valdez
Los Angeles, CA
Finalist: Hot Mama Salsa
Creator of hand-produced fresh salsas, hot sauces, Mexican style chili oils, and tortilla chips using traditional ethnic cooking methods, whole peppers, and fresh local ingredients.
Hot Mama Salsa aims to elevate the chili pepper and to share their Chicana culture through good food and delicious condiments.
Founder: Nikki Maria Guerreo
Portland, OR
Finalist: Nico's Ice Cream
