Aviatra Accelerators, the Covington-based program that works with women-helmed businesses of all stages, has announced the creation of a nine-week business development program created just for food-focused entrepreneurs. Dubbed EXPLORE: Food Edition, the class was the result of a partnership with Findlay Kitchen, a Cincinnati-based incubator kitchen for food businesses and entrepreneurs.
Together, the two entities created a curriculum that uses Aviatra's EXPLORE program model, which is geared towards early stage businesses. During that course (and those based off it), students are encouraged to test whether or not their ideas are feasible, and if so, how to build them up. They're also introduced to startup basics, mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs, and leave the program having pitched their concept — and with an actionable business model canvas (as well as a draft budget or financial projections) in hand.
“Aviatra is always looking for ways to better serve female founders in all industries," said Aviatra Accelerators CEO Nancy Aichholz. "We know our model works and have impressive participant metrics to prove it."
For EXPLORE: Food Edition, the Findlay Kitchen team provided insight "to meet the distinct needs of entrepreneurs in the food space," a report on the move states. This course will examine how participants can best monetize their ideas while providing them access to both regional food and business thought leaders.
Additionally, the course brings something new to the table for Aviatra.
"We are reaching slightly out of our model to serve food industry founders, regardless of gender, as a way to strengthen our region’s culinary reputation," Aichholz said.
For Findlay Kitchen, a nonprofit that emphasizes work with minority-owned, immigrant and women-owned businesses, the move brings two of the ecosystem's best resources together to create something special.
“Findlay Kitchen has a proven track record supporting the startup and growth needs of budding food entrepreneurs," said Findlay Market Director of Food Innovation Marianne Hamilton. "We understand the food side of their businesses better than anyone, and knew that pairing our expertise with Aviatra’s outstanding curriculum and business training would further empower these high potential entrepreneurs."
Interested participants must apply for the EXPLORE: Food Edition course by Sept. 20. The program is $350 for nine weeks of curriculum, and officially kicks off on Sept. 30. For more information on EXPLORE: Food Edition, click here.
