Food Starter Programme
The next programme will be run over four half-day online workshops on 28th February and 1st, 13th and 15th of March 2024. (afternoons- 2:00pm to 5:00pm ). Participants must attend all sessions.
(Please note this programme is for Dublin based participants only. If you are outside the Dublin area - Please check your Local Enterprise Office's website for details of their next Food Starter programme for your location).
Programme charge is €100.
You can apply for the next programme below.
Food Starter
This ‘Food Starter programme’ is a short programme (provided online) designed to help those with a food idea, or those at a very early stage of starting up a food business (typically the first 24 months). The objective is to provide the participants with a base knowledge of what is involved in setting up a food business. The content is designed to provide you with information which will allow you to avoid the pit falls normally associated with this journey. (The programme content assumes you have the required business knowledge to run your enterprise e.g. you must already understand the basics of setting up a business, tax compliance rules, creating a business plan etc.) While certain aspects of the programme are relevant to those setting up cafes/restaurants, the core programme content is designed for those producing food to be sold through third parties i.e. food producers.
For those considering applying for the Food Academy Programme in the future, this programme will provide an excellent opportunity to boost your chances of securing a place.
Sessions Content
Sessions One and Two
The first two half-days will focus on providing participants with an overview of the dynamics of the food sector in Ireland and getting objectives for your project clear in your mind. The content will include:
- Feedback on your product idea from the workshop facilitator
- Understanding how to conduct research for your food business and how to complete a food business feasibility study
- Interpreting Irish food market trends and drivers
- Food safety overview
- Selecting the right channel to market for your product
Sessions Three and Four
These half-day workshops will focus on the more practical aspects of setting up a food business. The content will include:
- Costing and managing finance
- State agency supports and funding
- Distribution and logistics
- Identifying a unique positioning for the product
- Understanding branding and communicating the key brand messages
- Supports available for your food journey and where to next
Workshop Timing
14.00 - 17.00
Price
€100
The Trainers
This programme is run by James Burke & Associates who have a wealth of industry experience in both the retail and food service sectors.
