FUEL YOUR BUSINESS
Join us for a week of expert insights, networking opportunities, and actionable advice designed to help you take your food + beverage business to the next level. From startup strategies to growth hacks, Foodiepreneur is your one-stop shop for food industry success.
October 21 -24
An SBDC event brought to you by:
As one of the Mid-Atlantic's fastest growing, full-service wholesale distributors, Layman Distributing is proud of our diverse customer base. Our clients consist of retailers from all facets of the industry and include convenience stores, restaurants, universities, dining halls, vending services and independent grocers. Whether you are a chain or an independent operator, Layman can deliver your needs directly to your door.
CHOOSE YOUR COURSE
This week-long event is designed for every stage of entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry. Daily events are curated both in person and virtually to give you a wide breadth of experiences based on your business needs. Kitchen tours and meet and greets are happening in both the Roanoke and New River Valleys.
SPEAKERS
Speakers and Guests have been curated to deliver insights and topics that the food + beverage industry care about.
John Park and Zach Jackson
JPG Agency
VIP Marketing Experience
Jason Burger
VDEP Food + Beverage
Virginia Food Forecast
Julia Raymond
Cureate
Shelf Success
TICKETS
We know your schedule is tight, you’re growing your business after all! We’ve curated a variety of options for you to get involved and learn from industry pros, the way you learn best.
Click on the option that you’d like to purchase.
VIP Marketing Experience
Meet
Greet
&
Join the SBDC, community partners, industry leaders, and officials for a meet and greet. A hand shake and introduction go a long way in the food and beverage industry. The people you need to know will be here. No ticket necessary.
Beverages available for purchase.
Tuesday 10/22
4:00 - 6:00
Wednesday 10/23
3:00 - 4:30
4237 Prices Fork Road
Blacksburg, VA
1 Market Square, 6th Floor
Roanoke, VA
VIP ticket holders invited to Meet with Managing Partner JoJo Stockton, and Executive Chef Steven Lyons
Presenting Sponsor
Your One Stop Retail & Restaurant Specialist
We offer the most up-to-date technology, minimal delivery and fuel surcharges, and a world of innovative, real-world advice. When you partner with Layman, we deliver a dependable, rock-solid partnership that is committed to helping you grow your business. You will find out, personally, why we always say: "The only way we can grow our business is if we help our customers grow theirs."
GET
YOUR
TICKETS
“This event was the best I’ve ever been to for the food industry. Exactly what I needed for my growing business.”
Agenda
Agenda
Agenda
Agenda
Agenda
Agenda
Monday, October 21
Tuesday, October 22
Wednesday, October 23
Thursday, October 24
11:00 AM Facebook Live
Virginia Food Forecast: Trends and Industry Updates
Jason Burger, VDEP Food + Beverage
Chris Van Orden, Virginia SBDC
3:00 - 4:30 PM VIP In Person ROA
VIP Marketing Experience
7 South Jefferson Street
John Park and Zach Jackson, JPG Agency
9:00 AM Zoom
Money On The Menu: Capital Strategies for Food + Beverage Business
James Cabler, Carter Bank & Trust
Linda Tackett, VA Small Business Financing Authority
Lois Miller, SERCAP
Cindy Green, LOCUS
1:00 PM In Person Tour ROA
LEAP Kitchen Tour
Jeff Bland, Leap Community Kitchen
Heather Fay, Greater ROA & NRV SBDC
3:00 PM In Person Tour ROA
Six & Sky Kitchen Tour
JoJo Stockton, Managing Partner
Steven Lyons, Executive Chef
4:00 - 6:00 PM In Person ROA
Meet & Greet
Six & Sky
1 Market Square
Center In The Square
6th Floor
Roanoke
9:00 AM Zoom
Smart Start: Food + Beverage Edition
Tom Tanner, Greater ROA + NRV SBDC
Melissa Wright, Food Producer Technical Assistance Network, Virginia Tech
Local Business Owners
1:00 - 3:00 PM In Person Tour NRV
Millstone Kitchen Tour
Featherbone Kitchen Tour
Emma Jensen + Local Business Owners
3:00 - 5:00 PM In Person
NRV
Meet & Greet
Moon Hollow Brewing Company
9:00 AM Zoom
Shelf-ie Success: How To Get Your Product on Shelves
Julia Raymond, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Cureate
12:00 PM Facebook Live
Layman Distributing:
Mise en Place
The Greater Roanoke and NRV SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and supported by America’s SBDC, Virginia SBDC, George Mason University Mason Enterprise. Other funding is provided by local administrations, economic development offices, organizations, and businesses that are all champions in your corner. Thank you to our fiscal host, the City of Roanoke for providing space and support for our work.
We currently serve City of Roanoke, Franklin County, Botetourt County, Alleghany County, Roanoke County, City of Salem, Town of Blacksburg, Town of Christiansburg, Pulaski County, City of Radford, Floyd County, Giles County, Town of Narrows, and Town of Pearisburg.
Training and Programs are offered at cost and support training and program efforts.
Greater Roanoke and NRV Small Business Development Center