Food Starter Programme 

Our Food Starter Programme is a focused series of four half-day workshops tailored for people with a food product idea or those in the first 24 months of running a food business. Whether you're still testing the waters or already trading, this programme will help you assess your idea’s potential and build a solid foundation for growth.

Each session dives into a key area of early-stage food business development—from idea validation and food safety to pricing, branding, and finding the right routes to market. Through real-life case studies, interactive tasks, and practical tools, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to move your food idea forward.

What You’ll Learn:

• Workshop 1 – Idea Validation & Consumer Insight Learn how to properly research and test the feasibility of your idea. Connect with Bord Bia’s Thinking House and explore key consumer lifestyle trends.
• Workshop 2 – Food Safety & Market Channels Get clear on food safety compliance with real-life examples. Discover different routes to market and what it takes to succeed in each one.
• Workshop 3 – Costing & Funding Understand product costing with a hands-on cost-plus pricing model, and explore funding options to support your business growth.
• Workshop 4 – Branding & Next Steps Learn how to build a compelling food brand using real-world examples. Get personalised advice on your next strategic steps.

Participants who complete this programme will receive priority consideration when applying to Musgrave’s Food Academy Programme. The Food Academy is the national flagship initiative, delivered in partnership with SuperValu, TU Dublin, and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). It provides small food producers with a unique opportunity to enter and grow within the food retail market.

❌ Closing Date for Expressions of Interest:  30th September 2025

This programme is open only to registered businesses or clients based in County Westmeath.

❌ Note: Not suitable for those planning to open a café, restaurant, or foodservice operation.

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.