Culinary Catalyst

Written by: Lauren Cubre, Student Marketing Assistant

Cohort 2 Participants

At the beginning of January, we celebrated the success of Culinary Catalyst Cohort 2! This intensive program was designed to equip aspiring food entrepreneurs with the essential tools to build and grow their businesses. Throughout the program, participants gained valuable insights, developed critical skills, and connected with industry experts who helped guide them on their journey.

Program Highlights

Cohort 2 covered a range of topics that are vital for success in the food industry. Participants earned their HACCP Certification, a crucial credential for ensuring food safety and compliance. They also explored business planning and sales strategies, learning to structure their operations for long-term success. Financial management was another key focus, with workshops on QuickBooks and pricing models to help participants manage their budgets effectively. Additionally, they discovered government and community resources, providing them with valuable support networks. The exclusive culinary tours were a special highlight of the program, where participants could explore Fresno’s vibrant food scene and gain inspiration for their ventures.

Guest Speaker: Flavia Takahashi

Tour of the Culinary Center

Special Thanks

We thank our guest speakers who generously shared their expertise and experiences with our participants. Dr. Erin Dormedy led the HACCP training, ensuring everyone left with a solid foundation in food safety. Eric Hadden guided business planning, while Boarding Pass helped entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and running a business. Mike Oz shared his entrepreneurship journey in action, offering real-world insights into what it takes to succeed. Flavia Takahashi spoke about pivoting for success and helping participants adapt and evolve in a competitive industry. Yurubi Ramirez, representing the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, introduced valuable support programs available to local entrepreneurs. Josh David Miller emphasized the importance of owning your story, while Lenny Lesnikowski covered accounting and QuickBooks to ensure financial stability. Finally, Rich Mostert from Valley Community SBDC discussed strategies for growing a food business, giving participants the tools to scale their ventures.

Guest Speaker: Richard Mostert

Panel with Boarding Pass Eats

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly proud of our graduates and their accomplishments throughout the program. Their dedication, creativity, and hard work are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see their businesses thrive. The Culinary Catalyst program is more than just a learning experience—it’s a community, and we are excited to continue supporting these entrepreneurs as they take their next steps in the food industry. Congratulations, Cohort 2!