Programming
Philly Food Ventures: Business Assistance for Culinary Entrepreneurs
Do you have a small or home-based food business that you want to take to the next level? Do you need commercial kitchen space, assistance with licensing, or help developing your product or business model? If so, then Philly Food Ventures may be right for you! The Enterprise Center, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization, has over 20 years of experience in helping entrepreneurs to be competitive and successful in the marketplace. Philly Food Ventures is a new program focused specifically on the food industry.
Why the Food Industry?
Food sector jobs are predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to increase by 11 percent between 2008 and 2016, one of the largest projected growth rates of any industry. According to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, food-related industries currently represent 11 percent of the regional economy and over $15 billion in transactions annually. Nationally, demand has been rising rapidly for specialty food products with a particular focus on fresh, local ingredients.
The city of Philadelphia offers particular potential for growth in the culinary arts. The New York Times recently lauded the explosion of Philadelphia’s foodie culture, with top-name restaurants and chefs, and the city boasts a number of artisanal brands that have expanded to other regions. In addition, Philadelphia is a recognized national leader in the fresh, local segment of the food industry, with numerous farmer’s markets, retail outlets and restaurants that specialize in fresh, local products.
The food industry has particularly high barriers to entry for entrepreneurs, however, and lack of access to kitchen space, difficulty in obtaining licenses and certifications, and a rapidly evolving business landscape add to the traditional challenges of running and growing a small business. The Enterprise Center offers Philly Food Ventures to help small business owners overcome these obstacles, and increase the impact of small, local businesses in our regional economy.
How It Works
We have an open call for applications to join our Portfolio Program. Qualifying types of businesses include but are not limited to eateries, catering, baking, canning, and candy-making ventures, and food retailers such as groceries. Once your application is complete, our Advisory Council of food industry experts will review your application and business plan. We select clients based on quality of business plan, program application, and entrepreneurial potential. Once admitted, you can stay in the program for up to three years.
Don’t have a business plan? Without a business plan you cannot apply to Philly Food Ventures. If you need a business plan, check out one of the following organizations that offer business planning classes:
Philadelphia Development Partnership
Temple Small Business Development Center
Wharton Small Business Development Center
Women’s Business Development Center
Benefits
As a Philly Food Ventures Portfolio client, you will receive access to some or all of the following resources based on the size and needs of your business. Note: Clients may not be eligible for all of these benefits; eligibility may depend on the type of business, availability of subsidies, or ability of clients to qualify for third-party programs.
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Initial business assessment |
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Access to certified commercial kitchen space |
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One-on-one sessions with business development professionals |
| Pro-bono legal counsel | |
| Assistance in obtaining licensing and certifications | |
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Access to consultants and food industry specialists |
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Subsidies for outside consultants |
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Assistance in obtaining financing |
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Contracting opportunities |
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Regular business evaluation |
Fees
The Enterprise Center is a not-for-profit organization, and all fees are kept low to cover overhead expenses while not placing a burden on small business owners. The fees for Philly Food Ventures are based on the size of your business. Philly Food Ventures fees for in-house consulting are as follows:
Start-up (businesses grossing $0-$75k/year): $10/hour
Early Growth (businesses grossing $76k-$250k/year): $20/hour
Mid-Size (businesses grossing $251k-$500k/year): $30/hour
Each client will begin with a free business assessment, at which time we will determine your specific needs and will create a cost estimate for all in-house fees. Rental kitchen space, outside consultants, and other third-party entities will have their own rate structure. Where applicable we work with you to obtain reduced costs for third-party contracts.
For more information, contact Steve Horton at 215-895-4019 or email stephenh@theenterprisecenter.com