Food Biz Bootcamp
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to start a restaurant, food truck, catering service, or cloud kitchen but unsure where to begin?
Do language barriers make it difficult to understand regulations and requirements? Does starting a foodservice business feel logistically or financially out of reach?
Join us for this 6-week, in-person program, where we provide hands-on guidance to help participants navigate the essential steps to launching a foodservice business!
Program Overview:
Food Biz Bootcamp is a hands-on training program designed for entrepreneurs ready to launch a foodservice business. This in-person program offers essential knowledge, practical skills, and valuable business connections to help participants navigate the foodservice industry with confidence.
Session Dates/Times:
- Thursday, April 30th, 9:30am-12:00pm
- Thursday, May 7th, 9:30am-12:00pm
- Thursday, May 14th, 9:30am-12:00pm
- Thursday, May 21st, 9:30am-12:00pm
- Thursday, May 28th, 9:30am-12:00pm
- Thursday June 4th: 9:00am – 4:00pm ServSafe Course and Exam Full day attendance required
Location: CEI Portland, 2 Portland Fish Pier, Suite 215, Portland, ME 04101
Program Components:
- Foodservice Business Foundations– Understanding various types of foodservice operations and their pros and cons, and industry trends.
- Regulations – Understanding licensing and permit requirements.
- Commercial Kitchens – Field trips to explore shared kitchen settings.
- Staffing Requirements – Understanding regulations related to hiring employees.
- Financial Literacy & Pricing Strategies – Budgeting, pricing for profit, and accessing funding opportunities.
- ServSafe Course & Exam – Completing this one-day course and exam to earn a certified food protection manager credential — a prerequisite for applying for a business license.
Eligibility:
This program is open to entrepreneurs who:
- Have a business plan for a foodservice business or are actively working with a business advisor or mentor to develop one. (Please contact CEI if you need a referral to one of our confidential, no-cost advisors.)
- Have a basic menu.
- Can commit to attending all sessions of the program.
Cost: Free
Who Should Attend?
This program is ideal for individuals passionate about food and eager to turn their culinary talents into a foodservice business. It is designed especially for those facing challenges due to limited financial resources, unfamiliarity with Maine’s business regulations, or language and cultural barriers. This free program will be conducted in English.
Note: This peer group requires a two-step registration process. Pre-registration responses are reviewed within 2-3 business days, and our team may contact you via email with questions. Approved registrants will receive an email to complete the second step of registration. Both steps are required to be officially enrolled.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Interpretation is available upon request.