Ready to commit to your food business dreams?

Eligible businesses must be owned by those from an underserved or marginalized group including those living or doing business in high poverty zip codes, BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, immigrants and veterans.

Priority consideration will be given to businesses based in East Knoxville.

Eligible businesses will be required to have successfully completed the Bootcamp program (or demonstrate strong understanding of food business fundamentals through industry experience or another business training course).

Up to three participants will be selected to move into guided business incubation.

Selection will be based on demonstrated mastery of the fundamentals introduced in the Bootcamp, market-fit, growth, coachability, and eligibility (defined as those who are part of an underserved or marginalized group including BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and veterans).

Applicants are asked to complete this application no later than July 28th at 5pm. Applications will be reviewed, and finalists will be invited to continue the interview process with business advisors and a panel of RGF Board members. Interviews will take place virtually during the second and third weeks of August. Selected participants will be announced no later than August 20th.

If you need assistance completing your application or have questions, email program coordinator Sandra Wairimu at sandra@realgoodfoundation.org.

In the application, we want to know not just about your business but about who you are. Don’t be afraid to show your personality! Share your story, inspirations, and passions.

Selection will be based on demonstrated mastery of the fundamentals introduced in the Bootcamp, market-fit, growth, coachability, and eligibility (defined as those who are part of an underserved or marginalized group including BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and veterans).

Cost will vary by business, but will include the following:

Estimated Startup Costs:

• General Business Liability Insurance - approx $300/yr, payable monthly

• City and/or County business licenses -$15 each

• ServSafe Food Handler’s Certification - $15

• Equipment - varies by business, but includes small wares such as bowls, spoons, etc, and any specialized equipment

Estimated Monthly Costs:

• Reduced cost of RGK kitchen up to 20 hours a month

• Additional Kitchen storage - dry, cold or frozen @ regular rate

• Ingredients

• Labor

Other Considerations (if applicable):

• Market vendor fees

• Product packaging

• TN Department of Agriculture license

In the course of the 5-month program, you will receive:

Business advisory services with advisors from Pathway Learn

Ongoing technical and production assistance and coaching with an experienced food-industry mentor

Access to reduced-cost kitchen hours at Real Good Kitchen

Small group support and learning alongside fellow incubator cohort members

Applicants may be invited to an informal interview. If more information is needed. The selected participants will be notified no later than August 20th.

Over 5 months:

Minimum 20 hours of kitchen time per month

2-4 hrs business advisory per month

Ongoing technical assistance

Once a month cohort meeting time

We are committed to providing the support that you need to complete this program. The program is self-paced, with some flexibility allowed, however, if you have concerns about your ability to commit to the requirements, please reach out by emailing @realgoodfoundation.org.

We will hold selected participants to a high standard, reflective of the investment we are making in you and your business, and the investment you are making in yourself.

Your first payment to Real Good Foundation will be due September 5, 2024. You should also expect to make payments on the licenses and certifications listed in the “Upfront Costs” section under “What is my estimated out-of-pocket cost?”