Business Beyond the Food
Incubator Program Overview
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The technical incubator program is a nine-week program inclusive of five virtual sessions and four in-person sessions. The in-person sessions include a Program Kickoff Meet & Greet, Graduation Celebration, and two experiential learning opportunities.
This program is designed to advance the skillset of food, beverage, and farming industry business owners and to better equip them to adapt to evolving market dynamics, navigate business challenges and succeed in a competitive business environment.
This program content includes a combination of field experience, practical applications, case studies, group activities, independent assignments, supporting resources, and lectures delivered by industry experts.
“To be able to celebrate a full year of operations within our shared kitchen and pop-up restaurant space has been a long time coming both for our team working on the project and for the Prince George’s County culinary community,”
Virtual Meeting Sessions
Virtual meeting sessions will be Monday evenings from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. Participants are expected to join the virtual session a few minutes early, in a distraction-free environment, dressed appropriately, and ready to adhere to established meeting netiquette. Additionally, participants are expected to actively participate by contributing ideas, asking questions, and offering insights.
Experiential Learning Sessions
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the experiential learning sites. Participants are expected to be on time and engaged during these in-person sessions.
Weekly Expert Office Hours
Expert office hours are held weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Come prepared with questions.
Program
Structure
This program is strategically structured into 3 outcome pillars that guide instruction and promote accountability.
Outcome Pillar 1. Improve Operations – equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources to optimize their internal processes, increase operational excellence, and deliver value to customers for long-term success and sustainability.
Outcome Pillar 2. Increase Clientele – equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources to attract and acquire new customers for their businesses.
Outcome Pillar 3. Prepare for Growth & Scale- equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources to efficiently handle growth, maintain quality, and deliver consistent value to customers.
Graduation Requirements
To successfully graduate from the program, participants must:
- Attend all sessions, virtual and experiential.
- Attend all review meetings.
- Complete & present Sandlot Presentation.
Program Schedule
Week 1
9/11/23 – Program Kickoff Meet & Greet, Human Resources, Corporate Contracts & Event Planning
Week 2
9/18/23 – Accounting, Operations & Systems, Retail
Week 3
9/25/23 – Finance, Branding (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Week 4
10/2/23 – Government Contacts
Week 5
10/9/23 – Corporate & Government Contracts, Full-Service Catering Execution, and Self Study
Week 6
10/16/23 – Food Costing & Purchasing
Week 7
10/23/23 – Private Study Week (Finalize Sandlot Presentation)
Week 8
10/30/23 – Event Planning Presentation at The Sandlot
Week 9
11/06/23 – Closing Ceremony, Corporate Contracts Full Execution Demonstration & Graduation
General Program Expectations
Technology Requirements. Participants should have access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable device (computer, laptop, or tablet) capable of running the required software or accessing the online learning platform for this program. Participants should also be familiar with basic computer skills, such as navigating websites, using email, and participating in online discussions.
Active Participation and Engagement. Participants are expected to engage in online discussions, contribute to collaborative activities, ask questions, and seek clarification when needed. Actively participating in this program promotes interaction, knowledge sharing, and a sense of community among participants.
Time Management and Self-Discipline. This virtual program provides flexibility in terms of when and where participants can access course materials. However, participants are responsible for managing their time effectively, staying on track with assignments, and meeting deadlines. Self-discipline and the ability to create a self-study and self-work schedule are crucial for success in this program.
Regular Attendance and Communication. Participants are expected to attend virtual classes and in-person sessions as per the course schedule. Questions regarding coursework should be directed to the content expert. Questions regarding the program should be directed to –.
Academic Integrity and Ethical Conduct. Participants are expected to uphold academic integrity by submitting their own original work, citing sources properly, and avoiding plagiarism or cheating. Participants should adhere to the ethical standards outlined by Magnolia University and the program guidelines, respecting copyright laws and maintaining professionalism in their online and in-person interactions.
Course Materials and Resources. Participants should access and review the program and individual course materials, including lecture videos, readings, assignments, and supplementary resources, as instructed by the instructors. Participants are expected to be prepared for discussions, activities, and assessments.
Technical Support and Troubleshooting. Participants should be proactive in seeking technical support if they encounter any issues or difficulties with the online learning platform, software, or other technical aspects of the program. Participants should promptly notify the program manager for assistance.
Respectful Online Etiquette. Participants should maintain a respectful and inclusive online environment by practicing netiquette. This includes using appropriate language, refraining from offensive or discriminatory comments, and respecting diverse perspectives. Participants should engage in constructive discussions and maintain a professional tone in all online interactions.
