Kitchens for Good
FOOD BUSINESS ACCELERATOR (FBA)
Building your Food Business with Kitchens for Good
Kitchens for Good Food Business Accelerator (FBA) helps create a more inclusive and robust food system in San Diego by supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds as they build and grow small businesses. Kitchens for Good’s FBA connects low-to-moderate-income San Diego residents to the critical support they need to succeed.
Who Do We Serve?
The FBA program is meant to act as a launching pad for San Diego residents who are low-to-moderate income, including individuals who have historically been underrecognized in the entrepreneurial community. When we help propel forward small businesses created by people of color, refugee, or immigrant communities, or others with limited access to resources, we help diversify and strengthen the food community that benefits us all.
What Will You Create?
Kitchens for Good’s FBA accepts early-stage food entrepreneurs in San Diego, focusing on those who have experienced barriers to accessing the resources and support needed to start their small businesses. We work with the following types of ventures:
- Catering Businesses: Entrepreneurs who specialize in preparing meals for gatherings and social functions.
- Mobile Vendors: Food trucks and carts offering delicious cuisine for direct sale.
- Food Product Developers: Manufacturers who create packaged product lines such as jams, hot sauce, frozen empanadas, and more.
- Chefs: Culinary professionals seeking to develop their own product lines.
- Farmers: Farmers looking to diversify their offerings by creating value-added products or generating additional revenue streams.
“From Grain to Bread”
Participants in the FBA benefit form Kitchens for Good’s decade of experience in culinary innovation and education. The FBA provides a full support system, from product inception to sales.
Startup Investments
Participants will benefit from product seed funding, giving them the financial boost needed to bring their culinary dreams to life. You’ll gain valuable experience by pitching your product to potential investors and customers, creating a platform to build a robust financial foundation for their small businesses.
Educational Workshops
Elevate your business acumen through our interactive workshops focusing on what you need to know to build a strong foundation for your business. We’ll cover crucial topics such as marketing, branding, business planning, and accounting through hands-on sessions with our team.
Commercial Kitchen Space
The FBA program includes access to Kitchens for Good’s two fully equipped commercial kitchens. Participants will create, develop, and practice manufacturing their products in a day-use kitchen in Old Town or an extended-use kitchen near Linda Vista. The space includes the necessary equipment and space for food prep, baking, catering development, and storage participants need to bring their culinary visions to life without the burden of high rental costs.
Personalized Advising & Mentorship
Your early-stage food business will receive individualized guidance on key elements of your entrepreneurial journey, covering areas such as licensing, permitting, insurance, product development, and sales. Being part of the FBA program connects you with a dynamic community of fellow entrepreneurs, offering access to valuable resources, funding opportunities, and essential networking connections.
Financial Fitness
Kitchens for Good partners with Just in Time to provide a financial fitness class for apprentices and FBA students. You’ll be paired with a coach to help you take control of your finances, reducing stress and anxiety around financial conversations, increasing your capacity to build savings, and helping you run the financial side of your business.
Promotion and Sales
Participants will have their products showcased online and in-store via Kitchens for Good’s retail division, social media, and special events. You’ll get hands-on experience learning merchandising, order fulfillment, e-commerce tactics, and more while selling your product directly to customers.
ARE YOU READY?
Food Entrepreneurs who get the most out of the program demonstrate:
- Willingness to Learn: Through Kitchens for Good, you’ll be introduced to new ideas and other perspectives. Entrepreneurs who benefit the most from this program have a willingness to have their ideas and processes challenged and refined.
- Commitment and Availability: Participating in the Food Business Accelerator will require your time, attention, and focus. To get the most from the experience, you’ll need to commit time each week to the program.
- Passion for Community Building: Kitchens for Good is committed to creating an anti-racist, inclusive, and vibrant entrepreneurial community. Our community of entrepreneurs come from all backgrounds but share a commitment to fostering a safe learning environment for their fellow entrepreneurs.
LEARN MORE
Schedule a Free Consultation
Book a virtual session with our dedication team to explore how Kitchens for Good Food Business Accelerator can help you achieve your goals.
Sign Up for the Kitchens for Good Food Business Accelerator Updates
Receive monthly updates about upcoming workshops, updates, funding opportunities, and resources straight to your inbox each month from our Food Business Accelerator team.
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors and funders that support Kitchens for Good Food Business Accelerator programming, including:
- Avila Fund
- City of San Diego
- Parker Pike, in memory of Sandra pike
- San Diego Social Venture Partners
