2024/2 Food Starter Programme

Food Starter

The Food & Drink Starter programme is a short programme (delivered online) designed to help those with a food idea, or those at a very early stage of starting up a food business (typically the first 24 months).   The objective is to provide the participants with a base knowledge of what is involved in setting up a food business.  The content is designed to provide you with information which will allow you to avoid the pitfalls normally associated with this journey.  (The programme content assumes you have the required business knowledge to run your enterprise e.g. you must already understand the basics of setting up a business, tax compliance rules, creating a business plan etc.). 

The programme content is not suitable for those planning to open a café, restaurant or foodservice operation (business owners from these categories should discuss options with their LEO).

The programme content is focused on food and drink, and is therefore less suitable for those producing "near foods" such as pet foods, health supplements, etc. (Producers from near food categories should be advised that the programme content may have shortcomings, but it is still possible for producers from these categories to participate in the Food & Drink Starter programme).

For those considering applying for the Food Academy Programme in the future, this programme will provide an excellent opportunity to boost your chances of securing a place.

Sessions Content

Sessions One and Two

The first two half-days will focus on providing participants with an overview of the dynamics of the food sector in Ireland and getting objectives for your project clear in your mind. The content will include:

• Feedback on your product idea from the workshop facilitator
• Understanding how to conduct research for your food business and how to complete a food business feasibility study
• Interpreting Irish food market trends and drivers
• Food safety overview
• Selecting the right channel to market for your product

Sessions Three and Four

These half-day workshops will focus on the more practical aspects of setting up a food business. The content will include:

• Costing and managing finance
• State agency supports and funding
• Distribution and logistics
• Identifying a unique positioning for the product
• Understanding branding and communicating the key brand messages
• Supports available for your food journey and where to next

Workshop Timing   09:30-13:00

May 2024; Tuesdays 7^th, 14^th, 21st & 28^th

Cost:   €50

The Trainer

This programme is presented by Conor Hyde of Bullseye who has a wealth of food industry experience.