Startups

While the VAPG grant can be complicated (for example, a 75 page application plus Business Plan and third-party Feasibility Study), it requires applicants to critically consider expansion of the customer base and the marketplace for products as well as demonstrate how they will have sufficient business structures, profit and cash flow to operate in the long-term.

Sometimes certain products or certain classes of products make more sense in certain markets than others. For example, heavy or perishable food items make less sense to sell online due to the shipping costs and logistics involved. But unconventional markets could make sense if location or customer data suggests it is a good idea.

Quantitative measurement of key business drivers brings focus and clarity to what can be a chaotic process of entrepreneurship and provides direction that proves to be a north star during times of trial.

We know it takes grit to be an entrepreneur, and in this day-and-age it takes a special kind of grit to be a farm...

The huddles this week focused on how the current situation for food and farm businesses is going to go on for a while and coming out of it will be very slow.

Women found innovative food and farm businesses all the time, yet they still have a harder time landing investment than male entrepreneurs do. Part of the issue is decision-makers in the investment world are predominantly men. Regardless, it is still entirely possible for female founders to raise money successfully. Gaining financial literacy is the first step. They need to be exceptionally well-versed in their needs and numbers and go into investment discussions with confidence.

The food and beverage sector is a hotbed of innovation, a big reason why investors have flocked to it in recent years. Even now,...

In FFI’s first Quarterly Trends Talk, Tera discussed several macro forces shaping our world that food and farm businesses will need to adapt to—and,...

Learn about the Center for Technology Commercialization’s variety of tools, resources, and funding to help food and ag entrepreneurs assess the market viability of their innovations.

Matt D'Amour of Yumbutter talks about the importance of having multiple things that distinguish your food brand so you can remain defensibly unique and mitigate the risk of competition. They joined the food scene when their category (nut butters) was not crowded yet and they were positioned well to overcome roadblocks.