SBDC EATS

Looking to launch a food business? Join our hybrid program where our experts discuss what it takes to start a successful food business.

4k followers
By Orange County Inland Empire SBDC
4k followers
Lots of repeat customers 📈

Date and time

August 22 · 5pm - September 26 · 7pm UTC

Location

Online

About this event

  • Event lasts 35 days 2 hours

Fridays: August 22 - September 26, 2025 I 10 a.m. – Noon


Are you interested in starting your own food business? SBDC EATS is a program that helps you learn what it takes to do so! Through this program, you will be guided through the necessary steps to plan, build, and launch your food business and products in the marketplace. SBDC EATS will be taught in a hybrid format (online and in person).

This program is offered in English and Spanish.

During the program, you will learn:

Going from Idea to Concept

  • Do you have what it takes?
  • Steps to starting your food business
  • Types of food businesses
  • Competition
  • Your niche
  • Market research

Setting up Your Business

  • What are the different business entities?
  • Pieces you need to set up your business
  • Licensing and permits

Honing In on Your Offerings

  • Your offerings
  • Recipes
  • Inventory
  • Pricing and costing

Starting to Sell

  • Cottage permits
  • Selling at events
  • Managers certification

Managing Your Business

  • Accounting methods
  • Financial projections
  • Access to capital

Getting the Word Out

  • Marketing your business
  • Establishing your online presence
  • Steps to stand out and shine in a crowded market
  • Measuring your success

Through this program, you will be aligned with one of our food consultants for personalized assistance and to discuss how to move forward toward the launch of your business. You will be required to attend all sessions in order to participate in the graduation showcase event.


Program Schedule:

Session 1: Friday, August 22 I 10 a.m. – Noon (In Person)

  • Kick-off session at the 4th Street Market - 201 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Session 2: Friday, August 29 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)

Session 3: Friday, September 5 I 10 a.m. – Noon (In Person)

  • Field trip to the 4th Street Market - 201 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Session 4: September 12 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)

Session 5: Friday, September 19 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)

Session 6: Friday, September 26 I 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.* (In Person)

  • Graduation event at the 4th Street Market - 201 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
    (Vendor setup is at 7:30 a.m.; the event starts at 8 a.m.)


** Please note that attendance is MANDATORY at ALL sessions **


Only those who attend the sessions live will receive the slide deck and a link to the webinar recording.

Frequently asked questions

Is this program in person or online?

Both! This is a six-week hybrid program, and three weeks will be in person at the 4th Street Market in Santa Ana, CA, and the other three will be on Zoom. Please see the description for the full details.

How long is this program?

There are a total of six classes. One held every Friday from August 22 - September 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PST.

Do I have to pay for this course?

No! The SBDC Eats program and all other SBDC services are offered to you at no cost!

Tags

Organized by

Orange County Inland Empire SBDC
4k followers
Lots of repeat customers

The Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network is funded in part though a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and California State University Fullerton and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBA, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, and California State University, Fullerton cannot endorse any view, product, opinions or services of any external parties or activities.

The Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network is funded in part through a Grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

*Disability: Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Katrina Smith at kmpayne@fullerton.edu or 800-616-7232.

*Refund and cancellations: You must give our office 48 hours notice of any changes or cancellations.

If the cancellations or change is not done 48 hours before the event, a full registration fee will be charged.

Our 48-HOUR RULE is Strictly Enforced!

FreeAug 22 · 5:00 PM UTC