FOOD INCUBATOR PROGRAM

About The Program
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & OVERVIEW
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WHAT TO EXPECT

The #BlackFoodEnergy Entrepreneurship Accelerator powered by DoorDash & Spring Activator addresses the challenges Black food entrepreneurs face in day to day business operations such as financial management, brand development, customer acquisition and employee retention due to the lack of experience, guidance and support. This program has been designed to ensure that foundational skills and food industry trade-secrets are shared so that participants are equipped to compete or surpass non-black food businesses. This program also aims to create space and community for Black food entrepreneurs to learn and grow amongst other businesses of similar size and operation.

#BlackFoodEnergy is a DoorDash initiative that aims to celebrate, amplify, and support Black chefs and Black-owned restaurants across the country. Through this program, DoorDash is continuing its commitment to help create more opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in the food industry.

Application deadline date: Monday, January 16th, 2023 by 5 pm EST

Program start date: Thursday, February 8th, 2023

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Program participants can look forward to gaining knowledge and access to the resources needed to solve business challenges and increase their likelihood of success over time. Program highlights include:

Developing an action plan that outlines goals and the necessary steps required to accelerate the restaurant’s success
Learning about food industry best practices and insights from program facilitators and food industry professionals
Connection to industry advocates and resources such as Restaurants Canada
Learning how to scale operations and increase revenue
Increased investment and grant readiness
Access to 1:1 consulting and mentoring via CBCC’s Advisors, Program Facilitators & Community Partners
Tools and resources accessible 24/7 via a learning management system
1 Year membership to CBCC with access to LivePlan, business plan writing software
Access to the Black Business Directory
Access to Elevate Black Business Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The program runs for 10 weeks and participants must attend one 2 hour class per week learning valuable food industry knowledge from our industry experts.

Food entrepreneurs will learn:

Best practices related to customer service, food safety and business operations
Guidance on hiring and managing a winning team
Customer discovery and marketing
Community building and partnerships
Accounting and financial management
Funding and grant options
How to leverage Black Resilience and pride to promote business
How to successfully retail on the DoorDash platform

Application Submission Guidelines

Developing an action plan that outlines goals and the necessary steps required to accelerate the restaurant’s success
Learning about food industry best practices and insights from program facilitators and food industry professionals
Connection to industry advocates and resources such as Restaurants Canada
Learning how to scale operations and increase revenue
Increased investment and grant readiness
Access to 1:1 consulting and mentoring via CBCC’s Advisors, Program Facilitators & Community Partners
Tools and resources accessible 24/7 via a learning management system
1 Year membership to CBCC with access to LivePlan, business plan writing software
Access to the Black Business Directory
Access to Elevate Black Business Program

Program eligibility:

Any black-owned and/or operated restaurant, catering company or food retail business that has been operating for a minimum of 1 year and is eligible to operate on the Door Dash platform
Must be able to commit to attending 10 weekly sessions and completing pre-work and assignments
Businesses that are 50% Black owned or operated are eligible to apply
Businesses owned or operated by Black identifying women
Businesses elevating the representation and access to culturally relevant foods
Ability to be a DoorDash vendor Must have a valid CRA business number, be incorporated and in good standing under a relevant federal or provincial statute
Must have a web presence (website, social media, etc)
Must have fewer than 3 locations and fewer than 50 employees per location
Must articulate what #BlackFoodEnergy means to them
Must not be bankrupt or subject to a consumer proposal plan

FOOD INCUBATOR PROGRAM

WHAT TO EXPECT

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Application Submission Guidelines

Program eligibility:

"Driving the Black Business Renaissance"

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