Food Starter Programme 

This ‘Food Starter Programme’ is 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.

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. 

Days three and four will focus on the more practical aspects of setting up a food business. 

The content will include:

Research & Feasibility

• Focus on conducting proper research and feasibility studies.
• Participants collaborate and share insights.
• Includes engagement with review of Consumer Trends.

Food Safety & Routes to Market

• Covers food safety with real-life case studies to ensure FSAI compliance.
• Explores routes to market with practical channel examples and key supply challenges.

Costing & Funding Growth

• Hands-on session in product costing and business funding.
• Participants complete a live cost-plus model, shared post-workshop.

Branding & Brand Building

• Focus on brand development using real producer success stories.
• Offers personalized guidance and next-step strategies for participants.

Workshop Dates and Times

WS1: 24 November @ 14.00 to 17.30

WS2: 26 November @ 14.00 to 17.30

WS3: 08 December @ 14.00 to 17.30

WS4: 10 December @ 14.00 to 17.30

Please note: In the event you book a place and subsequently do not cancel your booking at least ten working days prior to the commencement of the course and do not take up the place no refund or fee transfer will be offered.

(Please note this programme is for Midland (Offaly, Laois, Longford & Westmeath) based participants only. If you are outside these areas - Please check your Local Enterprise Office's website for details of their next Food Starter programme for your location).