Educational Programs

Starting and growing a food business is hard.

Regulations, seasonal fluctuations, access to commercial equipment, capital and business networks – there are so many barriers to success for growing food businesses.

Our programs provide business fundamentals, information and connections you need to build a solid foundation for your food business to thrive.

RGKF has partnered with the business experts at Pathway Learn (the educational arm of Pathway Lending, Tennessee’s largest nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution) to offer two training programs for food entrepreneurs.

Both programs are made possible thanks to generous funding from the Lawson Family Foundation.

Food Business 101

Our next Food Business 101 Workshop will be offered on September 21, 2024

The cost of the course is $35 and includes a light breakfast and lunch.

Scholarship funds are available for participants for whom cost is a barrier; please contact us for more information.

Please note: this program, or other equivalent business education, is a prerequisite for our Food Business Incubator Program.

Utilizing the Lean Business Model Canvas, the course will cover:

  • Entrepreneurship overview

  • Defining customers and value proposition

  • Brand identity and marketing

  • Economic foundations of profit/loss/breakeven

  • Important relationships: Banking, Accounting, Insurance, and Legal

  • Putting it all together into a business plan

  • Food industry-specific strategies, challenges, and support

You will come away from this intensive one-day course with the foundation you need to make informed decisions about the next steps for your business,

no matter whether you’re just starting out or interested in taking things to the next level

Following the course, participants will receive one hour of one-on-one, individualized coaching from a Pathway Business Advisor, plus access to online webinars and resources.

Food Business Incubator Program

Applications will open soon for the next Cohort of our Food Business Incubator Program, which will begin late Fall 2024 .

If you are an aspiring or early-stage food business owner committed to growth, this program is designed to help you turn your passion into a business.

Completion of RGKF’s Food Business 101 Workshop or similar business course is required to apply.

Overview

  • Classroom hours for deeper dive on business fundamentals and best practices

  • Reduced cost hours of use of RGK’s 2,500 sq ft shared commercial kitchen

  • Tailored business advisory services based upon identified operational needs and financial goals

  • One-on-one technical and production assistance

  • Access to shared resources of Real Good Kitchen’s community of food businesses

  • The opportunity to receive a no-cost loan of up to $1000 to take the next steps with your business

By the end of the program, you will have established the production, marketing, and financial foundations for your business and have a clear growth plan.

Get Involved

Get Involved

 

Donate

Your generous contributions help us sustain and expand our educational programs. By donating to Real Good Kitchen Foundation, you support our local food system and level the playing field for underserved food entrepreneurs. Please consider donating today.