JULY 25
@Vinton War Memorial
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Aspiring Foodiepreneurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Current Foodiepreneurs
Community Partners:
Want to support entrepreneurs in the fastest-growing industry in our region? Request a Sponsor Guide to start collaborating with us today!
WHO IS A FOODIEPRENEUR?
A foodiepreneur is anyone who is aspiring to be or already in the business of food or beverages. If you make, sell, wholesale, or manufacture consumable products - YOU are a foodiepreneur!
ticket include lunch
Join us for a day of workshops, vendor networking, food, and Industry experts to learn the competencies needed to scale and expand your food-based business in our region. The Foodiepreneur event is a one-of-a-kind day built to inspire you to take it to the next level.
Hosted by the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center for existing and soon-to-be foodiepreneurs in the Greater Roanoke area, Alleghany Highlands, New River Valley, and Franklin County.
Come make a day of it!
AGENDA
AGENDA
Pre Session 8AM | START SMART
Aspiring to start a food or beverage business? We’ll cover the things that need to be top of your list, specific to the industry, so that you can start smart.
Session 1 | TRENDS or TROLLS
Eric Terry, Virginia Restaurant, Travel and Lodging Association, will share industry trends that are on the up and up.
Session 2 | CHA CHA CHANGES
A panel of local foodiepreneurs discuss changes in consumer behavior in the post covid environment. Bob Rotanz, Mac & Bob's and Anne-Maree White, Sweet Donkey.
Session 3 | FOODIE or FOE
Marketing in today’s food and beverage industry takes skill and a little chef’s kiss. John Park, JPG Agency; Jonathan Kelly, Salty Lobster & Co; and Brandy Underwood, Cupcakes & Canines will share their secrets for today’s demands.
Session 4 | OPTIMAL OPERATIONS
Nathan Webster of Scratch Biscuit Company will share best practices and what it takes to operate with growth in mind.
Session 5 | MONEY MONEY MONEY
Cash is king and loans are a critical part of doing business so that you keep cash in your pocket. Join Lauren DeSimone, Virginia Community Capital, and Jennifer Huffman, Atlantic Union Bank to hear about creative finance strategies for now and later.
Session 6 | PLOWS & POLITICS
Join us for a chat with Robert Melvin, Director of Governmental Affairs, Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association for a conversation on what policies you can anticipate in the future and how to stay up to date on legislation that impacts the food and beverage industry.
Post Session 3PM | SIDEKICKS
Our region is rich in community resources to get you where you want to go, faster. Local resources will join us to share what they have to offer so that you can get a one up on your journey.
Get Your Ticket Now
limited seating
Ticket includes all sessions, materials, and lunch.
We are a trusted and confidential business advising partner offering free small business advising, at-cost workshops and events, and advocacy for small businesses in the greater Roanoke area, Franklin County, Alleghany Highlands, and the New River Valley.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities for you or your organization? Want to get your brand in front of our program attendees? We’d love to hear from you!
A special thanks to the Town of Vinton for allowing us to offer this symposium at the Vinton War Memorial free of charge.
