Applications for the Food Business Accelerator 2025 are now open. The Food Business Accelerator (FBA) by CitySeed and Collab is a statewide accelerator for Connecticut early-stage food entrepreneurs. The aim of the Food Business Accelerator is to remove barriers to food entrepreneurship across the state of Connecticut through training, network-building, and access to resources. Apply now for this opportunity.
Opportunity Details
They work to create economic opportunity for all, increase leadership by people of color and immigrant food entrepreneurs, and strengthen their local food system by linking rising food entrepreneurs and farmers. They are seeking food entrepreneurs who have recently launched or are working toward launching a food business (such as a food truck, catering company, or food product line).
Accepted food businesses entrepreneurs receive:
Entrepreneurs who fit best and get the most out of the program demonstrate:
FBA 2025 will be held virtually via Zoom. Therefore, participants must expect to have access to reliable internet and a device with a webcam and microphone, preferably a laptop, tablet, computer. If you do not have access to any of these components but would still like to participate in the program, please email us at [email protected] to let them know after sending in your application.
Accelerator Schedule
October 4
Applications Open*
November 6
Info Session
November 22
Deadline to apply
January 8
Session 1 – Orientation and Why
January 15
Session 2 – Business self-awareness/Business Model Canvas/VP
January 22
Session 3 – Customer Empathy/Segmentation/JPG
January 29
Session 4 – Customer Discovery/Lean Method
February 5
Types of Food Businesses
February 12
Sourcing, Wholesale Purchasing, Farmers Markets
February 19
Mid-Cohort Meet and Greet
February 26
Marketing + Social Media Management
March 5
Session 6 – Business Plan/Financial modeling
March 12
Legal Requirements: Licensing & Entity Formation
March 19
Regulatory Requirements: Food Safety & Insurance
March 26
Pitch Day
Apply for Food Business Accelerator