Food Business Incubator Program
Ready to commit to your food business dreams?
Applications for Real Good Kitchen Foundation’s Food Business Incubator Program will open Late Summer 2024.
If you are an aspiring or early-stage food business owner committed to growth, this program is designed to help you realize your food business goals.
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 are required to have completed RGKF’s Food Business 101 Workshop or a comparable business basics course (or have related experience).
Selection will be based on program readiness, demonstrated understanding of business fundamentals, market fit, growth potential, and coachability.
Food Business Incubator Overview
Reduced-cost hours in Real Good Kitchens shared commercial kitchen
Business advisory services with advisors from Pathway Learn
Ongoing technical and production assistance and coaching with an experienced food-industry mentor
Access to shared resources of RGK’s community of food businesses
Monthly small group support and learning alongside fellow cohort members
Upon successful completion of the program, the opportunity to receive a low-cost loan and/or business services valued at $1000
Incubator Curriculum & Structure
Structure
If selected for the incubator, our six-month program will allow you to develop and sell your products in real-time while learning key business fundamentals.
The first two months of the program are dedicated to six module-based, business curriculum sessions led by food and business experts. Afterwards, you will use RGK’s shared commercial kitchen to make your products, and will participate in regular self-paced activities and accountability milestones that will help you meet your business goals.
Content
Our curriculum will guide you through the following topics over the course of the program:
Product Development and Launch Planning
Business Fundamentals and Market Entry
Financial Management and Pricing
Sales and Marketing Strategies
Sales Channels and Scaling
Outcomes
By the end of the program, you will have established the production, marketing, and financial foundations for your businesses and have a clear growth plan.
We will empower you to complete your short- and long-term goals, and you will walk away grounded in the fundamentals that will allow your business to thrive!
Important Details & FAQs
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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
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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
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Applicants may be invited to an informal interview. If more information is needed. The selected participants will be notified no later than August 20th.
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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
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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.
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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?”
Through RGF, you’ll get the support you need to start & grow your food business.
Are you ready for your next step?
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