The Foundation of Food Entrepreneurship Program under the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program (BRAP) is a critical initiative addressing the systemic challenges Black entrepreneurs face, particularly in the food service industry. By collaborating with the PepsiCo Foundation and the National Urban League, the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio aims to dismantle barriers to growth, such as limited access to capital, biased community perceptions, and the adverse effects of gentrification.

This program is a direct response to the heightened challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted Black-owned food service companies. BRAP offers a comprehensive, 10-week business development course, specifically designed for food service business owners seeking to build sustainable and scalable enterprises.

Key components of the program include:

• Entrepreneurship Advisors: Participants are paired with advisors who will help them create actionable growth plans, ensuring long-term success beyond the program.
• Certified Program Directors and Facilitators: The course is guided by experienced professionals who provide expertise and support throughout the program.
• Selective Cohort: With only 10 participants per cohort, the program ensures personalized attention and a focused learning environment.
• Peer Community: A strong emphasis on community-building among participants encourages collaboration and mutual support, fostering a network of like-minded entrepreneurs committed to each other’s success.

The goal of the Foundation of Food Entrepreneurship Program is to empower food service businesses to become profitable, agile, and resilient, enabling them to thrive in the face of ongoing challenges.

PROGRAM DATES

Orientation:  Thursday, October 03, 2024

Sessions: Monday, October 07, 2024 – Monday, December 09, 2024

APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

LOCATION

Virtual

Why Participate

Through our network of business leaders and industry experts, The Foundation of Food Entrepreneurship Program will help you:

• Get connected to a community of food industry experts and business owners
• Evaluate the sustainability of your business
• Learn how to grow a food or beverage product
• Ask questions and get answers from experts and peers through the program
• Gain new skill sets and knowledge related to lab marketing, developing, pitching to buyers, and more
• Learn strategies to sustain your business in times of crisis and to build in recovery
• Practice skills targeted at alternative strategies for growth
• Obtain a $10,000 grant*

* To receive the $10,000, you will need to complete the Program. Successful completion includes attending at least 8 out of the 10 sessions.

Applying for Grant Funding

• Complete the 10-week program
• Complete all tasks assigned to you by your business coach
• Complete all surveys and assessments sent to you for data collection purposes
• Upon cohort series completion, you will receive the link to apply to the PepsiCo Grant Portal to be considered for grant funding

Who’s eligible

Eligible businesses must meet the following requirements:

• Business must be one of the following types of food service companies defined by the following NAICS Codes: 722511 Full-Service Restaurants; 722513 Limited-Service Restaurants; 722330 Mobile Food Services; and 722320 Caterers.
• Businesses must be registered with the IRS.
• Business must be registered with the Department of State.
• Businesses have been operating for at least one year

How to apply

To apply for the program, eligible businesses should complete the online application:

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