North Coast SBDCEureka and Crescent City California
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Food Makers & Sellers

Grow Your Food Business 2020 Details Coming Soon

Normally every fall we run a very popular "Food Business Mini-MBA". But this is not a normal year. It's our turn to pivot to serve you better!

Will you please complete this short needs and hopes survey by Thursday, August 13th? 

Meanwhile check out these upcoming Northern California SBDC webinars for food businesses.

Learn more about last year's program:

September - November 2019     
Calling all specialty food makers (baked goods, canned goods, food manufacturers, etc.), food trucks, caterers, restaurants! We are running our popular program for Humboldt food producers and sellers again this year. Join us to enhance your business skills so you can start and grow. Download program flyer
 
Some of the program workshops are open to the public! Sign up now for:
 
And save the date for:
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Come to an Info Session

Info Session 1
Tuesday, July 30 - 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Prosperity Center Conference Room, 520 E Street, Eureka, CA
RSVP
Info Session 2
Tuesday, August 13 - 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Prosperity Center Conference Room, 520 E Street, Eureka, CA
RSVP
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Ready to Apply?

Do you need to apply late? Please email flights@northcoastsbdc.org or call Leila at 707-445-9720 x212 to let us know.
 
Apply soon! Accepted on rolling basis through August 19.
  1. Download Program Application - Fill out completely and thoughtfully. Return by email, mail, or in person by or before August 16.
  2. Download Scholarship Application - Watch this video tutorial for instructions on completing the form. This income form must be filled out completely or we cannot process it. All information is kept confidential. Call us any time if you need help.
  3. Sign up online to become a client - Please specify you're a Food as a Business program applicant.
  4. Then we will reach out to schedule an interview.
Note:
  • Applications accepted on rolling basis through August 16th. Call (707) 445-9720 x212 or email flights@northcoastsbdc.org with your questions.
  • Income eligible applicants qualify for full scholarship and must attend all required sessions. Others may take workshops a la carte. 
  • Even if your flight application is not accepted you may still access no-cost one-to-one advising & attend workshops. 
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Program Timeline

Pre-Launch

Friday, July 26 - Program Application Published
Tuesday, July 30 & Tuesday, August 13 - Information Sessions
Monday, August 19 - Program Applications Due by or before today
[please contact us if you need to submit late application]
August 12 - 30 - Applicant Interviews
Early September- Applicants Notified of Acceptance or Provisional status
Before September 10 - Participants have first session with their assigned business advisor and started taking Getting Started workshops

Required Sessions

Getting Started Series... if you haven't started up yet:
August 14 - Getting Started: So You Want to Start a Business? $0
August 21 - Getting Started: So You're Ready to Start a Business? $0
September 19 - Getting Started: Financial Basics for Start-ups $0
 
Business Basics Series... for everyone:
September 12 - Business Basics: Think Like a Marketer - $30
September 25 - Business Basics: Business Planning for the Real World - $30
October 9 - Business Basics: Financial Basics for Business Owners - $30
 
Food Business Program Sessions (workshops will run 2-3 hours, $50 - 150 each):
September 10 - Welcome & Kick-Off
September 18 - Marketing and Branding your Food Product
October 1 - Regulation and Liabilities for the Food Industry
October 3 - Pricing, Sales & Distribution
October 15 - Accounting for Food Businesses
October 22 - Food Waste Management
October 24- Food Safety Preventive Controls for Human Foods (PCQI)
November 2 - Food Fair at Arts Alive! (Showcase your food with buyers, then with the public)
November 19th - Meet the Rock Stars of the Food Industry: Reflect, Interact, Plan

Optional Workshops

November 9 - Strange Brews and Odd Eats
November 12 - ServSafe Manager Certificate Training
 
(Register online at northcoastsbdc.org/calendar)

Apply Now

It all starts here. Complete the application and submit your request. A member of the SBDC will follow up with you and help you achieve your small business goals -- at no cost to you.
Apply Today
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Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation.