Fueling Food Entrepreneurs at Every Stage

Whether you’re just starting out with a secret sauce your friends rave about, or you’ve been selling tamales, pastries, or barbecue plates for years, turning your culinary passion into a thriving business takes more than great taste. It takes strategy, structure, and support.

At the Women’s Business Center at JEDI, we know that food entrepreneurs come in all stages—from side hustlers still cooking out of home kitchens, to experienced vendors ready to scale into retail or wholesale. That’s why our 5-week Culinary Entrepreneurship Program is designed to meet you where you are—and help you move forward with confidence.

Whether you need to get legal and licensed, build out a clear business model, or finally figure out how to make money doing what you love, this free training will give you the tools and guidance you need to take the next step.

Why the Culinary Industry Is Ripe with Opportunity

Food is one of the most powerful connectors in our communities—and one of the fastest-growing sectors in small business. Across the country, cottage food operations, pop-ups, and food trucks are booming. But with that growth comes competition, regulations, and the challenge of turning craft into cash flow.

The biggest hurdle many food entrepreneurs face? Not cooking, but running the business side of things. That’s where we come in.

What You’ll Learn in This Free Program

Over five weekly sessions, we’ll walk you through everything from legal requirements and permits to branding and marketing your unique culinary business. Whether you're an established business or just testing the waters, here’s what’s in store:

• Licensing & Permits: Learn the difference between Cottage Food Law and Commercial Kitchen operations. Discover what permits and health codes apply to your business.

• Business Models That Work: We’ll help you clarify what kind of food business you want to run—and how to make it profitable.

• Pricing & Profitability: Understand food cost, margins, and how to set prices that make sense (and make money).

• Marketing That Feels Like You: Whether it’s social media, local networking, or brand identity, we’ll show you how to market authentically and effectively.

• Pathways to Growth: Hear from food business owners, permitting agencies, and industry experts who can help you navigate your next move.

This isn’t just theory—it’s practical, real-world advice that you can implement immediately.

Real Support from People Who Get It

This program is taught by instructors who understand the food business from the inside. We also bring in guests from public health departments, successful food brands, and lending institutions. You’ll get face-to-face access to:

• Local food entrepreneurs who’ve built successful businesses

• Health and safety officials who can demystify licensing

• Micro-lenders and grant organizations who support food businesses

• Coaches who will help you make a plan you can actually follow

Who This Program is For

This program is open to all Northern California food entrepreneurs, whether you’re:

• Selling under the Cottage Food Law and want to scale

• Building a catering business or food truck

• Operating a restaurant or retail-ready product line

• Just getting started and need help figuring out what’s legal and profitable

If you’ve got the drive and the recipe, we’ve got the roadmap.

What Participants Say

Graduates of the program have gone on to:

• Launch or legalize their food business

• Secure grant or loan funding

• Move into commercial kitchens or shared-use spaces

• Expand from farmer’s markets to retail shelves

• Increase sales through better pricing and marketing strategies

We’ve helped businesses grow from kitchen table to storefront. You could be next.

Why It’s No-Cost (And Why It’s Worth It)

This program is funded through community and federal support for small business development—so there’s no cost to you. That means you get expert guidance, real tools, and meaningful connections without spending a dime.

All you need to do is show up, ask questions, and be ready to grow.

Next Session Details

• Date: August 14th- September 11th

• Day & Time:  Every Thursday, 4-6 PM

• Duration: 5 weeks

• Must be located in Siskiyou County

• Click here to register

Bring Your Flavor. Build the Future.

Whether you’re testing a new recipe or ready to expand your operation, don’t do it alone. Join our Culinary Business Program and surround yourself with experts and peers who want to see you succeed.

Apply today and take the next step in turning your passion into a powerful, profitable business.