Good Food & Fixins’

Powered by Truist and hosted by Epicenter, Good Food & Fixins’ is a business development program aimed at supporting emerging consumer packaged goods (CPG) food companies in Memphis and Shelby County with branding, communications, planning, and strategy. The program is designed to develop marketplace readiness and build capacity for food-related businesses.

This year, Epicenter Memphis will accept up to 25 entrepreneurs to participate in Good Food and Fixins’ programming. Programming includes a 3-day accelerator, food showcase, one-to-one consulting services, and a pitch competition with prizes ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for up to five recipients. At the conclusion of the program, technical assistance and feedback will be provided to all participants to prepare them for their next steps.

Applications are now closed for the 2023/2024 cohort.

Part 1: The Accelerator

The multi-day accelerator brings entrepreneurs and talent together in a consultative-style workshop to provide business education, develop a stronger business acumen, and discuss industry insights. The entrepreneurs will be paired with business coaches to assist them in key business disciplines and participate in Q&A sessions with industry leaders.

Entrepreneurs will exit the accelerator with a stronger understanding about their business and industry, resources to take their business to the next level and  limited-access to technical assistance. 

Part 2: The Showcase

The food showcase allows entrepreneurs to display their companies and product offerings in an exhibit-style event for potential corporate clients, vendors, consumers, and investors. At the event, entrepreneurs are able to mingle with their customer base and potential investors, provide product samples and tastings, share about their business, and learn from the audience.

Part 3:
The Pitch Competition

After participating in the accelerator, showcase, and several coaching sessions, the program participants will be ready to pitch potential investors for funding. Investors, composed of a panel of executives from Truist and local businesses, will choose up to four businesses to award prizes ranging from $2,500 up to $10,000. 

 
 

Application Criteria:

  • Open only to eligible small businesses located and operating in Memphis, TN and Shelby County

  • Small business owner must be at least 18 years of age or older

  • Small business owner must own at least 51% of the equity and must be the primary decision maker for the day-to-day operations of the business

  • Business is independently owned and operated 

  • Business has been actively operating for at least two years

  • Business has been revenue generating for at least 12 months prior to the program period

  • Business must has an active website and/or social media presence 

  • Business employs one hundred (100) people or less

  • Business is registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State with an appropriate business license (must be sent via email to goodfood@epicentermemphis.org) 

  • Business owners must be available for a 30-min phone or virtual interview with a member of Epicenter Memphis prior to being selected for Good Food & Fixins’