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INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING

MANY WAYS TO LEARN AND GROW

The primary goal for all of our programs is to arm entrepreneurs to make better business decisions – now and into the future

That’s why our programs aren’t just about classes. They bring curriculum, coaching and community together in a structured approach, supported by assignments and activities where you’ll apply what you learn in class to create sales materials, financial reports and other tools. The best part is that you won’t be doing it alone – you’ll share the experience with other entrepreneurs who understand what it’s like starting and leading a business.

When you graduate from a GFA program, you’ll receive free GFA Membership for a year, giving you the opportunity to leverage all if its Membership benefits for your business.

TWO MONTH PROGRAM

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When you’re just starting your business, your focus is on building a foundation for future success. G2M is our 2-month program that highlights general business, financial, and commerce topics so you can be confident that the decisions you make today set you up for growth tomorrow. You’ll also be paired with an industry expert as your mentor and learn alongside a cohort of other business founders.

The G2M program is offered once a year at our office, Wednesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm. To apply, just download and complete the GFA Application and send it to gfa@goodfoodcatalyst.org.

APPLICATIONS OPEN: January 9, 2024

APPLICATIONS DUE: February 3, 2024

CLASSES START: March 1, 2024

FOUR MONTH PROGRAM

ACCELERATE FOR GROWTH (A4G)

After being in business for a while, it’s time to think about how to scale your business. A4G is our more advanced, 4-month program that helps you take a close look at five areas of your business: management, operations, sales, financials, and marketing.

The course material is taught by industry experts, and you will learn alongside a tight-knit group of fellow founders. Like G2M, all cohort participants are paired with mentors who provide additional support and insight.

A4G is often the next step for G2M graduates (but G2M is not required), and is a great fit for businesses further along in their growth.

Our A4G program is offered once a year at our office, Wednesdays from 9:00am-2:00pm.

APPLICATIONS OPEN: May 3, 2024

FOUR WEEK PROGRAM

MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM (MAP)

The Market Access Program focuses on helping Good Food entrepreneurs get retail-ready and creates a potential opportunity to get connected with Chicagoland retail buyers during our 5-week workshop series. Participants will develop retail-focused selling materials, learn what retailers want, and create and present their buyer pitch decks during a live practice session.

MAP is offered twice a year, Tuesdays from 12:00pm-1:30pm. The first four classes are remote, and the final class in-person at our office.

To apply, just download and complete the MAP Application and send it to gfa@goodfoodcatalyst.org.

NEXT SESSION: May 2024

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