Kent Food Business Grow and Thrive Accelerator
Are you a food business in the Kent Valley?
Are you ready to grow your successful food business?
Are there areas of your business needing immediate attention or are there issues limiting business performance?
Would you like an opportunity to share, learn, and network with other successful business and mentors in a small cohort setting?
Building a stable business means identifying and addressing areas that need improvement. Growing a successful business takes planning and mentorship.
Strategic Planning & Mentorship Program
City of Kent 2024 Grow & Thrive Food Business Accelerator is a structured mentor program with expert guidance & advice, perfect for any food business owner who wants to take their operation to the next level.
You will evaluate current systems and determine your path for growth. You will identify issues and improve your business model working with current financial statements, operating manuals, marketing materials, and more. Participants create a strategy for growth to chart a path to future success with 3–5-year objectives. You are supported and guided by both a business coach and a business mentor. The course will conclude with a networking reception and opportunity to hone your pitch.
Although typically a paid course with a class fee of $299, these sessions are being offered for free thanks to funding from the City of Kent! This opportunity is an immersive program with a cohort limited to 12 participants. The course includes an orientation plus 6 live in-person class sessions, spanning a total of 12 weeks. Note: Sessions 1 to 6 meet every 2 weeks. Each participant can expect to budget 9-12 hours per session to ensure success in this class—this includes 3 hours of class time and 7-9 hours of “pre- & post- session work” outside of class.
For questions, contact [email protected].
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Eligibility
This course is designed for food business owners in the Kent Valley who have been in business for at least a year and are averaging over $25,000 in annual sales.
Priority will be given to businesses within Kent, Auburn, Renton, Tukwila, and City of Pacific; however, all food businesses are welcome to apply regardless of location. Spots will be filled based on availability.
To register please follow the link below. Please note that registering does not guarantee enrollment. Once we have reviewed your registration and deemed you eligible for the class, we will send you confirmation of enrollment. Registration is open on a rolling basis until February 26th, 2024.
What's Covered
This in-person course is held from 10:00am-1:00pm on the following dates:
- Orientation (Feb 28)
- Session One (Mar 6): Strategic Assessment and Setting Goals
- Session Two (Mar 20): Marketing & Sales
- Session Three (Apr 3): Financial Management
- Session Four (Apr 17): Resource Management: Operations
- Session Five (May 1): Resource Management: Human Resources
- Session Six (May 15): Pitch & Networking Reception
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Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact [email protected] or call 206.324.4330.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the US Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.