NEW YORK —  The Specialty Food Association is launching its first Maker Prep Course at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show.

The course is a six-month-long collaborative in-person and online program that will teach newer manufacturers how to run a specialty food business; from launching a business, the market, and distributing their products. The class is set in groups and is limited to 100 participants each.

“Early-stage makers are the beating heart of the specialty food industry, and one of SFA’s core responsibilities is to support these exciting and innovative entrepreneurs,” said Phil Robinson, senior vice president of member development at SFA. “We are thrilled to unveil this new offering designed specifically to help the next generation of standout specialty food brands and leaders take their businesses to the next level.”

Participants will have access to educational materials, collaboration with other classmates through a group chat channel, class discussion and personal exploration prompts from the SFA, and monthly live coaching sessions from industry experts.

The course also offers a one-year tier one membership for non-Summer Fancy Food Association members; badges for the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show and 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show; educational sessions, tours, and other programs at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show; and an online course programming from July 2024 to January 2025.

The class will graduate at the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show and will have a display for their products at the show. FBN

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