Food Starter Programme 2021
The Food Starter programme is a short two-day programme designed to help those with a food idea, or those at an early stage of starting up a food business (Typically the first 24 months).
The objective of the two days is to provide the participants with a base knowledge of what is involved in setting up a food or drink manufacturing business. The content is designed to provide participants with information which will allow them to avoid the pitfalls normally associated with this journey. Ideally, participants should have previously completed a Start Your Own Business Programme. This programme content assumes participants have acquired business knowledge to run a successful business e.g. must already understand the basics of setting up a business, tax compliance rules, creating a business plan etc.
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 Food Starter programme is a pre-requisite for those planning to go on and participate in the Food Academy.
The programme content is not suitable for those planning to open a café, restaurant or foodservice operation.
The programme content is focused on food and drink and is therefore less suitable for those producing "near foods" such as pet food, health supplements, etc.
Day One will cover:
- 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
Day 2 will cover:
- 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