Food Starter

This ‘Food Starter Programme’ is a short blended programme consisting of 1 full day & 2 half days. It will cover everything from an overview of the Irish food sector to the specifics of starting a food production business.

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.

The next programme will be run by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown LEO over 3 workshops. It begins as a full day in person event on the 22nd  of January and 2 half days on the 29th & 31st January 2024.

(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). 

Note: Must participate all day January 22nd; 09.30 -17.00 and 29th & 31st January 2024; afternoons 14:00 - 17:30.

NB: Delivery of the Food Starter Programme is divided into one full day session at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel and two half-day online sessions. 

Sessions Content

Session One 

The first full, in-person day 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 Two and Three

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

The programme is run over 1 full and 2 half-days. Participants must attend all sessions. 

Training Dates: January 2024

The Food Starter Business Programme takes place over two days as follows:-

Training Day 1: 22nd January 9:30am –17.00pm at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, 1A Naas Rd, Newlands Cross, Dublin 22, D22 X5N7.

Training Day 2: 29th January 14:00 - 17:30

Training Day 3: 31st January 14:00 - 17:30

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.