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BRAND XPAND US - More Than An Accelerator
​​This program is designed for European entrepreneurs selling physical products in e-commerce and retail stores who are ready to expand to the US market. With tailored sessions, tools, templates, mentorship, and access to a strong network, this program equips entrepreneurs of great brands with everything needed for a successful US launch.
Up to 15 non-competitive brands receive weekly expert-led online workshops, online resources, hands-on exercises, a big community, and in-person immersion, to navigate the complexities of expanding to one of the world's largest consumer markets without the typical trial and error.
Weekly 1.5hr live online
3 weeks in US
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+ 20 hrs with experts 1:1
+ asynchronous learning
+ office hours
+ lifetime membership
+ 6 workshops
+ peer guides
Who Should Apply?
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This program is ideal for:
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European e-commerce entrepreneurs looking to expand into the US.
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Businesses generating $1M-$5M in revenue and ready to scale (e-commerce & retail revenue).
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Founders aiming to establish a strong US presence through online sales, retail partnerships, distributors, and strategic branding.
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Founders with a marketing budget of ~$100k ready to put to work.
The next cohort is kicking off in September 2025
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Our Mentors Have Championed Brands into Leading Stores, Distribution Channels, and Top Media Outlets
Sneak Peek of some of our mentors and speakers in the upcoming program:
Comprehensive 8-Week Online program:
Mastering US Expansion
How Our Program Helps European Businesses Conquer the US Market
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TOPICS
1. Branding and Cultural Intelligence
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Craft brand messaging tailored to US consumers.
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Learn about regional preferences, customer behavior, and engagement strategies.
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Test product positioning with marketing agencies and in-person feedback sessions.
2. Online Store Optimization
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Optimize performance on Amazon Marketplace and Shopify.
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Integrate payment gateways and ensure sales tax compliance.
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Review analytics and implement financial efficiency tools.
3. Pricing & US Business Model
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Calculate the impact of tariffs on your gross margin.
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Run A/B pricing tests to determine market viability.
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Develop a financial forecast to secure investor confidence.
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Understand unit economics and revenue models in the US.
4. Advertising, Agencies, and AI
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Learn advanced social media, PR, and Amazon advertising techniques.
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Select and work with marketing agencies in the US.
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Use AI tools for customer targeting and campaign optimization.
5. Regulatory and Legal Considerations
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Navigate FDA compliance, product labeling, and intellectual property laws.
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Learn about setting up a legal entity and trademark protection.
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Get expert support during legal office hours.
6. Logistics & Fulfillment
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Identify the best US warehouse and fulfillment solutions.
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Learn import best practices and evaluate local manufacturing options.
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Receive quotes from top logistics providers for cost comparison.
7. Customer Service & Returns Management
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Build a scalable customer support system tailored for the US.
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Implement best practices for handling returns and customer queries.
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Explore national and international outsourcing options.
8. Retail & Distributor Partnerships
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Gain insights into distributor networks and retail partnerships.
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Understand pricing margins and profitability for retailers.
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Leverage warm introductions to key industry players.
PAST SPEAKERS
We recruit and vet mentors and speakers for every program to deliver a bespoke experience for the startups in the cohort
European Startup Success Stories
“I was initially unsure if the time and effort I invested would be worth it, but the GUILD Program exceeded all my expectations. I learned so much and built an incredible network with the others and on the GUILD platform that will help our startup grow and thrive.” —
Dorothea von Grießenbeck, Founder GRANTORING
Challenges of US Market Entry for European Brands: More than "English"​​​
Top 5 Mistakes European Brands Make in the US
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So, you're a successful European startup eyeing the US market? Fantastic! You've built a killer product, your website is sleek, revenues are above $1M and you're ready to conquer the US? You might think it's as simple as hitting "translate" on your Shopify store, shipping a container to a US warehouse, and boom – you're rolling in dollars. Not so fast! Read On
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The BrandXpand Advantage: Navigating the New Manufacturing Economics
Trade Tariff Chaos: The BrandXpand Opportunity
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In today's volatile international trade landscape, companies navigating the complex web of tariffs face unprecedented challenges—and opportunities. For entrepreneurs and businesses considering an application to BrandXpand, understanding the financial implications of these recent trade policies could be the key to unlocking substantial profit potential.
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Invest in your company's success
EQUITY FREE PRICING
$20,000
or 10% of 12 month US Sales capped at $50k
8 week x 1.5hr live via zoom
3 weeks in person in
San Francisco
Online Preparation
+ 20 hrs with experts 1:1 for customized launch strategies
+ asynchronous learning with toolboxes full of actionable templates to save you the hassle
+ live sessions, office hours and lifetime membership to our extensive network of peers, media contacts, potential partners, and influencers that can amplify your brand presence rapidly.
Land and Expand:
+ 6 workshops in San Francisco
+ Peer Guides
+ Time to experiment and connect with relevant partners 1:1
not included: accommodation, visa cost, and travel
"BrandXpand is a no-brainer. You'll be hard-pressed to find a marketing agency for less than $10k/month retainer and this program does so much more for you." - Participant in accelerator program
Program Structure & Features
10-15 Brands in each program
Online Program (8 weeks)
Program Format
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Duration: 8 weeks online 3 weeks in-person
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Online Community: Access to a platform with 1,500 alumni from global entrepreneurship programs.
Weekly Online Events
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1.5-hour live Zoom workshops with experts and successful US & EU entrepreneurs.
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Topics include fundraising, sales, marketing, legal requirements, and logistics.
Office Hours
1:1 Mentorship
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Direct consultations with experts in logistics, legal, branding, and advertising.
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Personalized sessions with top e-commerce mentors to address specific challenges (20 hrs)
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Access to one of the largest e-commerce mentor pools (300 vetted people).
US Immersion (3 Weeks In-Person) in San Francisco
In-Person Program
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Live market testing: Present products at trade shows, farmers’ markets, and retail locations.
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Networking events: Meet investors, distributors, and industry leaders.
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Entrepreneur Pairing: Get matched with a successful US entrepreneur for insider guidance.
Why Choose The GUILD Academy for Your US Expansion?
​Expert in Entrepreneurship Education
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150+ e-commerce & CPG startups supported in their US expansion.
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A strong network of mentors, investors, and retail experts.
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Successful alumni with multi-million-dollar revenue after program completion.
Get to Know Us
Strategic Partnerships
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Collaborations with law firms, startup banks, payment providers, and branding agencies.
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In-depth insights into logistics, e-commerce growth, and retail distribution.
Expert Leadership
With 200+ mentors and advisors, this program offers unparalleled real-world insights and connections.
Anne Cocquyt, the program host, is an e-commerce founder who built, scaled, and exited her own brand before mentoring 20+ European startups on US expansion.