The Food Academy Start Programme

Food Start

In advance of the launch of Kildare's Food Academy later this year we are launching Food Start, a training programme aimed at supporting and nurturing early stage / start-up food businesses. Whether you have a food product or an idea for a food product, Food Start is designed to help those with a food idea, or those at a very early stage of starting up a food business (first 24 months) to understand 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.

How much does it cost?

Food Start costs €30.00 and is inclusive of all course materials, training and mentoring.

Kildare Programme Dates: Osprey Hotel, Naas

• 16th April 2019
• 30th April 2019

Day One

Day one 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:

• Individual participant introductions
• Feedback and discussions based on your product idea
• Understanding the Irish food sector
• Understanding what is artisan food production
• Identifying what are 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
• Researching your idea

Day Two

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
• Distribution options
• Understanding the role of the various agencies e.g. Bord Bia, LEO etc.
• How to manage the brand design process
• Deciding on your route to market
• Direct selling e.g. online, farmers market etc.
• Retail channels
• Foodservice channels
• Succeeding with store managers and trade buyers
• Attending consumer shows and trade fairs
• Packaging review
• Identifying next steps