Food Business Pathways’ 6-week series

Workshop is OPEN! 😎🌴

Do you have an idea for a food business that you want to explore or grow but not sure where to start? Have you been hustling up some pop-ups but not sure what is next? If this sounds like you, than we invite you to the orientation to learn about Mandela Partners 6-week Food Business Pathways workshop series for early-stage food businesses of the East Bay.

Each class will prepare you to complete the following documents by the end of the series:

1. Lean business plan (first and easier step toward building a business plan)

2. Ideal customer profile (helps to support branding, marketing, and sales strategy)

3. Price out one menu item completely

4. Deliver a brief pitch or story of your business (practice promoting your business and telling your story)

5. Share your food with others to get feedback

6. ONE token to complete Food Handlers or Managers certification

7. Receive a small amount of funding to use towards your business

Below are the full dates of the workshop series (a mix of in-person and virtual meetings):

1 . Orientation:

• Tuesday, April 22 or Thursday, April 24 5:30pm  – 7:30pm (in-person at Mandela Produce Distribution)

2. Workshops:

• Tuesdays, April 29 – June 10, 5:30pm - 8pm (in-person at Mandela Produce Distribution)

• Thursdays, May 1 – June 5, 5:30pm - 6:30pm (virtual)

3. Community Taste Test:

• Friday, June 13, 5:30pm  – 7pm (in-person at E14th Eatery & Kitchen)

This course may fit your needs if you:

• Started sharing or testing your food business idea (ie. tried packaging and selling, shared with friends and family OK)

• Are in the early stages of establishing and starting your business

• Making some sales for your business

• Have the time, mental, and emotional space to focus on growing your business

• Ready and able to commit to workshop times and do work outside of class (3 hours per week)

• Live in Alameda County/East Bay & are 18 years+

Information regarding location and child care:

We look forward to sharing more details with you during the orientation. Please note, the location of the in-person workshops meetings on Tuesdays are short distance from WEST OAKLAND BART STATION, and some street parking is available.

We understand the balance of being a parent and operating a business. If you are a parent who wants to attend but also needs childcare, please note that on the form, and we will follow up with you.

If you have questions or want to learn more about Mandela Partners' work please contact Zara Aurelio at zara@mandelapartners.org.