FOOD BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS AND COACHING
PREPARING GOOD FOOD ENTREPRENEURS FOR THE FUTURE
Every day, entrepreneurs in the Chicago area create, produce and distribute good food products to consumers in the local, regional and national markets. It’s critically important work because these talented leaders buy from vendors, hire people and create new opportunities, especially in communities that have been traditionally underserved or underrepresented.
The Good Food Accelerator was created in 2015 to support these businesses, providing a range of Member benefits that increases each entrepreneur’s chance of ongoing (and expanding) success.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
CURRICULUM
It’s not enough to have a great food product idea – you need the tools to set up, manage and grow your business. Our Members have access to ongoing instruction and learning opportunities across a wide range of business topics. From accounting to marketing to distribution, you can find information that will help refine and improve your business.
We know you’re busy, so we offer instruction through cohort programs and live/recorded online sessions.
Join our mailing list to learn more about upcoming Member events!
LEVERAGING INDUSTRY EXPERTISE
COACHING
Your experience is unique, which means that you sometimes need guidance that is tailored to what your business needs. Our deep bench of experienced volunteers is available to help you ask questions, identify issues and define your path forward. Many of our volunteers go beyond one-on-one advising to serve as instructors and mentors. With these experts in your corner, you can feel confident about making the right decisions for your business.
CREATING CONNECTION
COMMUNITY
It’s hard to be an entrepreneur. In fact, sometimes the only people who really understand the experience are other entrepreneurs. That’s why we’re committed to creating ways for Members to connect with each other, with industry leaders and with our experienced GFA staff.
As COVID-19 requirements change, we plan to return to in-person networking events and activities for all Members and are always available to help with introductions. We’re proud of the GFA community and our GFA Newsletter and social media feeds celebrate their news, offerings and successes.
RESULTS AND IMPACT
PROVIDING
VALUE
Since 2015, 85 companies have participated in GFA cohort programs and over 100 are currently Members.
Our Members have reported significant growth and expansion during their time with GFA and we expect that trend to continue.
133%
MARKET INCREASE
245%
SALES GROWTH
69%
EMPLOYEE EXPANSION
$2M
FUNDING RECEIVED
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