For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs

MCK Food Group presents a series of coaching sessions that will allow you to learn from the hard won experience of two seasoned food entrepreneurs. We have distilled 12 years in the business into 5 coaching sessions designed to minimize the risks of starting and growing a new food business.

Getting Started: Food Business Foundations offers early stage small food businesses the important basic information all food entrepreneurs should have.

SPECIAL RATE for Greenbelt Farmers' Market Network Vendors. FOR DETAILS CONTACT greenbeltfarmersmarketnetwork @gmail.com

Please note: These sessions can be taken in a group setting or on a one-on-one basis. They can be taken as a series, or each session is available on a “stand alone” basis, both in the group and individual settings. Individual consulting on needs and challenges not covered in the series is also available. 

Session 1: Vetting the idea

We help you conduct an objective analysis of your business idea before you invest capital into it.

Session 2: Production Reality Check

Have you thought about manufacturing your product for commercial sales in a regulated environment? We’ll walk you through what you need to know to be compliant.

Session 3: Pilot Test

If you make it, will it sell? Don’t quit your day job yet—a crucial early step is to make and sell your first production batches. You will be a lot wiser about the viability of your business idea after completing this process.

Session 4: Making Retail Sales

If your pilot works, then you are ready to sell into the grocery retail channel. We’ll help you avoid the any costly mistakes, guiding you on where to spend your money strategically so it converts to sales in the shortest possible time.

Session 5: Growth

Now your focus becomes selling, increasing “turns” at retail and shipping your product beyond your local base. Distribution is expensive and you have multiple options to pick from. We’ll share our insights on managing growth, helping you make decisions that will shape your business for long-term growth.

Additional Services

At Manning Canning Kitchens we offer a number of consulting services and programmes to help you start and grow your food business. Take advantage of our deep experience to realize efficiencies in your process and scale your business. 

We can assist with:

  • Recipe batching
  • pH testing
  • Artisanal co-packing
  • Brand Identity and package design
  • Process efficiencies
  • Food safety
  • Commercial Equipment Usage
  • Knife Skills
  • Procurement and Supplier Networks
  • Food Waste Management