Fierce Ferments
Food Industry Plan It!
Interested in opening or expanding a food-based business?
Our Food Industry Plan It! classes help emerging entrepreneurs learn the fundamentals of running a business and develop a solid business plan. As a part of our continuing commitment to small businesses and the community, NDC, in conjunction with Neighborhood Partners, helps to reduce barriers to small business success for residents in the Twin Cities metro area who want to learn the skills needed to start and operate their own small business.
“At the time, there’s no way we could have done what we’ve done without NDC.”
Sonora Grill, Minneapolis
Entrepreneur Training
Training Classes In-Person
Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 Plan It! Entrepreneur Training Cohort. Click the Apply Now! button and apply before the deadline on January 24th, 2025.
NDC Trainer Lachelle Cunningham
Tuesdays
February 12 – May 20, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Neighborhood Partner Location
Irreducible Grace Foundation
643 Virginia Street
St. Paul, MN 55103
Note: FYI, classes will be moved to virtual if there is a surge in COVID and/or inclement weather.
Our Process
Apply
To be considered for the Plan It! training class, you must submit your application by January 24th, 2025. We will begin reviewing applications in mid-January.
Interview
Applicants meeting the selection criteria will be invited to schedule a 25-minute informal interview. Final decisions will be made after all interviews have been conducted.
Payment
Class fees are determined on a sliding scale ($150 – $650), based on household income, family size, and if you live or plan to operate your business in one of our priority neighborhoods. Payment is due before you attend orientation. Payment plans are available.
Orientation
If accepted, you must attend the in-person Plan It! Orientation on Saturday, February 8th, 2025. You will receive an email with the location and timing details if accepted into the training class.
Course Information
Program Selection Criteria
We are looking for participants who:
- Plan to open a business within one of our targeted neighborhoods in the Twin Cities metro area:
- University Corridor – St. Paul
- North End
- East Side St. Paul
- West Side St. Paul (not West St. Paul in Dakota County)
- West Seventh Neighborhood
- North Minneapolis
- North East Minneapolis
- South Minneapolis (not including Uptown)
- Brooklyn Park
- Brooklyn Center
- Have a clear and focused business idea that you want to pursue or expand.
- Business idea is for-profit ventures (not including Real Estate, Non-profit, and Transportation out of state business ventures).
- Looking for someone that is committed and will make every effort to complete the course, create a business plan, and meet the expectations of the trainer.
- The participant understands the diligence and time a new or expanding business requires, and is at a place in their life where they are willing to devote that time.
Class Structure
Plan It! Entrepreneur Training classes meet once a week in person at the Neighborhood Partner host location or online via Zoom Video Conferencing for 12 sessions over 15 weeks. Training class dates and times vary.
For a training class to run, there must be a minimum of six registered entrepreneur learners who have paid the course fee.
Entrepreneur learners will have up to ten hours to meet with their class trainer outside of class, to get personalized feedback and support in developing their business plan. After finishing the training class, you will have up to two years to use your one-on-one hours.
Session topics covered: attributes and planning for business success, target market, competitive analysis, marketing & branding, credit & financing, management & operations, financial planning and more.
Additional Resources
- Plan It! Supplemental Workshops that delve deeper into the sessions’ main theme topics.
- Working labs to work on your business plan with others.
- Access to all Mindset Reset program services
- Access to Pro Bono Legal services. (Note: Pro bono services are not available to participants whose household or business income exceeds NDC Guidelines or those residing or operating their businesses out of the NDC targeted service area. Pro Bono legal services are available on a limited basis and are subject to attorney availability. Client is responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, such as filing or recording fees).
Course FAQ
Who should apply to take Plan It!?
People with a business idea in mind, and are seeking professional knowledge to build a business plan.
Entrepreneurs with businesses currently in operation who would like a refresher on the fundamentals of a business plan and to learn about new resources and services available to small businesses.
What are the benefits of graduating from the class?
- Join a growing network of more than 6,300 NDC alumni
- With a completed business plan, (including the cash flow projections), you are eligible to apply for:
- Low-cost technical assistance services: accounting, marketing & branding, and general management
- Small business lending services
- Real estate and incubator services
Who are the trainers?
Professional consultants with small business expertise, teaching acumen and cultural competence.
What types of businesses have graduates started after finishing this class?
Program graduates successfully operate businesses in child care, graphic design, catering, landscaping, construction, auto repair, restaurants, taxi services and a variety of other industries.
Do I have to open my business in a specific neighborhood?
You can open your business wherever you like, however if you’re seeking additional resources from NDC you will need to open your business in one of our targeted demographic areas.
Questions?
Contact us:
Kehinde Reuben
[email protected]
651 379 8425
Stephanie Kimble
[email protected]
651 379 8104