Intro to Food Service (English)

This 4-hour live online workshop equips Small Business Development Centers, colleges, universities, and entrepreneurship training organizations to introduce aspiring food entrepreneurs to the fundamentals of starting a packaged food business.

Designed as an accessible entry point, the program helps participants explore whether food entrepreneurship is right for them while building awareness of the key requirements for success.

Book a Discovery Call

testimonials

What SBDCs say ...

The program staff are professional, caring and forward-thinking, and created strong, positive relationships with our center and clients from the rural and urban areas of
New York State.

FVP resonated with a variety of projects ranging from food trucks to food manufacturing and everywhere in between!

Elizabeth Lonergan
Regional DirectorWatertown Oswego SBDC, SUNY Jefferson

The team at [Food Venture Program] are an absolute pleasure to work with.  The instructors are  knowledgeable about the sector, and able to present the material in a way that is accessible to even those just starting out on their food business journey.

The customization of the program and thoughtful approach to the curriculum design has allowed us to offer this for three years in a row, and each year seems to get better.

Dr. Michael M.
Executive Director
Food & Beverage Manitoba

Why Organizations Choose the Intro to Food Service Program

Empower your community with Food Venture Accelerator’s Intro to Food Service Program. This program is designed for Small Business Development Centers, colleges, universities, and entrepreneurship training organizations.


This 4-hour workshop gives aspiring food entrepreneurs a practical first look at what it takes to start a packaged food business. With expert-led guidance and clear takeaways, it helps participants validate their ideas and understand the path ahead.

Help Entrepreneurs Validate Their Ideas

Guide participants in assessing whether their food business concept is feasible, realistic, and aligned with market opportunities.

Help Participants Understand Food Safety Basics

Introduce entrepreneurs to core requirements for safe production and preparation, giving them a foundation for regulatory compliance.

Help Entrepreneurs Learn Packaging and Labeling

Provide a primer on CFIA and FDA expectations for packaging, nutrition labeling, and product presentation.

Help Businesses Explore Marketing and Logistics

Offer participants an overview of branding, sales channels, distribution, and realistic startup costs so they know what lies ahead.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, entrepreneurs will:

  • Understand the basic requirements for starting a food product business, including food safety and compliance.
  • Gain awareness of packaging and labeling standards under CFIA and FDA regulations.
  • Learn the fundamentals of business logistics, including startup costs, marketing, and distribution.

Topics Covered

  • Starting a Food Business & Validating Your Idea
  • Food Safety, Where to Produce & Recipe Development
  • Guidelines for Food Packaging & Nutrition Labeling
  • Logistics, Marketing, Distribution & Sales

More Details

  • Weekly LIVE classes held online (NEVER pre-recorded).
  • 1-1 professional food industry mentorship from executives, dietitians & serial entrepreneurs in the food industry.
  • Receive a FVA Certificate of Completion!

  • 4-hour workshop, split into two 2-hour sessions (can also run as a single 4-hour session).

  • Lifetime access to a private community of food/beverage entrepreneurs with resources updated regularly.

  • Programs available only through partnering organizations across North America.

Want to Take or Run this Program?

Our programs are only offered via organizations across North America, including but not limited to:

  • Small Business Development Centers
  • Universities
  • Colleges

If you want to take this program individually, please email us, and we will connect you with the closest program or business center in your region.

Book a Discovery Call

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, entrepreneurs will:

  • Have a solidified business plan to launch your business, if you haven't already.
  • Have received all of the knowledge and skills needed to have a physical product prototype completed.
  • Have a business pitch perfected for potential grocery distributors. I

Class 1

Class 2

Class 3

Class 4

Class 5

Class 6

Food trends and achieving product market fit.

value proposition, business model canvas.

Marketing trends, brand strategy, and storytelling.

Circularity and sustainability in food production.

Food science and recipe development.

Sanitation, food safety, and traceability.

Class 7

Class 8

Class 9

Class 10

Class 11

Class 12

Food packaging and nutrition labeling.

Financial feasibility and planning.

Sales and distribution.

Social media management.

Food photography.

Pitch competition.

More Details

  • Weekly LIVE classes held online (NEVER pre-recorded).
  • 1-1 professional food industry mentorship from executives, dietitians & serial entrepreneurs in the food industry.
  • Receive a FVA Certificate of Completion!
  • Lifetime access to a private community of food/beverage entrepreneurs with resources updated regularly.



Want to Take or Run this Program?

Our programs are only offered via organizations across North America, including but not limited to:

  • Small Business Development Centers
  • Universities
  • Colleges

If you want to take this program individually, please email us, and we will connect you with the closest program or business center in your region. Shh

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