Apply for Food Business Accelerator in the United States

The aim of the Food Business Accelerator is to remove barriers to food entrepreneurship across the state of Connecticut through training, network-building, and access to resources. They work to create economic opportunity for all, increase leadership by people of color and immigrant food entrepreneurs, and strengthen the local food system by linking rising food entrepreneurs and farmers. They are seeking food entrepreneurs who have recently launched or are working toward launching a food business (such as a food truck, catering company, or food product line).

Offerings

Accepted food businesses entrepreneurs receive:

• A spot in a 12-week workshop series on leadership, entrepreneurship, wholesale and local procurement, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Seed funding
• 10 hours licensed commercial kitchen space for the duration of the program
• 1-on-1 coaching sessions
• An assigned mentor
• Opportunity to vend at CitySeed Farmers Markets for product testing
• SafeServe Managers training and certification
• Opportunity to pitch in front of investors and community members
• Access to the CitySeed Incubates listserv of 300+ ventures with tailored entrepreneurial resources

Criteria

Entrepreneurs who fit best and get the most out of the program demonstrate:

• Willingness to Learn: This program includes weekly 1-on-1 coaching and workshops where you’ll be introduced to new ideas and other perspectives. Entrepreneurs who benefit the most from this program have a willingness to have their ideas and processes challenged and refined.
• Commitment and Availability: This program is intensive. Participating in the Food Business Accelerator will ask for your time, attention, and focus. In order to get the most from the program, it is preferred that you are able to give your undivided attention and access shared documents during workshops and 1-on-1s. Workshops take place Wednesday evenings 6-8pm, and 1-on-1s occur weekdays 9am-5pm.
• Passion for Community Building: Collab and CitySeed are committed to creating an anti-racist, inclusive, and vibrant entrepreneurial community, and seeks to hold space for Black, Latinx, and women entrepreneurs. The community of entrepreneurs come from all backgrounds but share this commitment to fostering a safe learning environment for their fellow cohort members.

For more information, visit CitySeed.