Start Your Own Food Business Programme

This two day short programme has been designed for those with a food manufacturing/processing idea or those at a very early stage of set up. The objective is to provide participants with base knowledge of what is involved in setting up a food business. It will provide participants with information which will allow them to avoid the pit falls normally associated with this journey.

Day One: Tuesday 21st April

Day one will focus on providing participants with an overview of the dynamics of the food market in Ireland and getting objectives for their project clear in their mind.

The content will include:

• Individual participant introductions
• Feedback and discussions on “homework” and what can be learned from this exercise
• Understanding the Irish food sector
• Understanding what is artisan food production
• Identifying what is the pit-falls associated with starting your own food business
• Minimum requirements e.g. food safety, labelling requirements, insurance, etc.
• How much money might a food start up business cost
• Understanding the critical role of packaging and branding

Day Two: Thursday 5th May

This workshop will focus on the more practical aspects of setting up a food business.

The content will include:

• How to build your pricing model
• Supports and assistance available
• Understanding the role of the various agencies e.g. Bord Bia, Enterprise Board, etc.
• How to conduct product costings
• How to manage the brand design process
• Deciding on your route to market
• Direct selling e.g. on line, farmers market, etc.
• Retail channels & Foodservice channels
• Succeeding with store managers and trade buyers
• Attending consumer shows e.g. Bloom and trade fairs e.g. Catex
• Where to start and a step by step guide on how to get there.