Do you have an idea for a food business? Here’s your chance to explore that idea with the region’s premier food business incubator. Hope & Main’s Bootcamp covers a broad number of topics related to starting and growing a food business. Topics include:

• Market Research
• Business Plans
• Branding, Sales & Marketing
• Funding Options
• Legal Considerations

This comprehensive overview of what it takes to start and sustain a food business also includes a panel discussion featuring entrepreneurs currently running food-related businesses. Opportunities for self-assessment, networking, and Q&A will also be provided.

Here’s what you’ll get out of participating in the Bootcamp:

• A road map to move your idea from product, to brand, to business
• The ability to identify market potential and target customer
• Clarity on your strengths and weaknesses as an entrepreneur
• A new perspective on the landscape of the local food economy

AGENDA:

9:00 – 10:00 | Welcome & Introductions | Lisa Raiola, Founder & President of Hope & Main
10:00 – 10:45 | Intro to Lean Business Canvas | Luca Carnevale, Executive Director of Hope & Main
10:45 – 11:30 | Funding Your Business | Manuel Battle, RI Small Business Development Center
11:30 – 12:15 | Branding, Sales & Marketing | Lauren Ruggerio, Founder of BUPPY PETS
12:15 – 1:15 | Lunch! (Please feel free to join us for lunch and hang out with the participants)
1:15 – 2:00 | Market Research | Shelley Cardoos, Director of Programs of EforAll
2:00 – 2:45 | Legal Considerations | Sumana Chintrapalli, Attorney, Law Office of Sumana Chitapalli, LLC
Panel Discussion – Ginny McQueen (Shady Lane Granola), Sandra Giraldo (Enjoyful Foods), Erika Zanobini (formerly La Piccola Toscana) & Nick Rabar (Avenue N, The Pantry at Avenue N, Chef2Go)