Gather & Grow
Gather & Grow is a 10-week cohort-based program for Food Entrepreneurs, taught by world-class Food Industry leaders from Cargill, General Mills, Kowalski’s and others. The program offers a unique experience for participants, combining formal learning with peer-based wisdom from their fellow food entrepreneurs. The program is hybrid (half in-person, half virtual).
Fall 2025
Pre-work
1. Determine Your Business "Stage" and inform Mila of your results
Due September 4th
4AP Food Academy Courses uses a 4-stage categorization (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum) to help tailor your learning according to the size and scale of your current business. In order for this to be useful, you will need to know which category you fall into. Please watch the video below for instructions on how to determine your business stage and reference the Business Stage Chart (link below).
**When you are finished, send Mila an email with your stage so she can tailor your class materials.** Email: mila@4accesspartners.com
📄 4 Access Partners Business Stage.pdf
2. Check This Page for Course Materials
Course Materials will be uploaded to this site after each class session. Please check back regularly to access the PPT decks, worksheets and any other materials from a class session.
September 9 FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS
September 16 UNDERSTANDING YOUR PRODUCT AND CONSUMER
- Understanding Your Product and Consumer.pdf
- Product and Consumer_Bronze.pdf
- Product and Consumer_Silver.pdf
- Product and Consumer_Gold.pdf
- Product and Consumer_Platinum.pdf
- Consumer Survey Card.pdf
September 23 GROCERY VISIT - GETTING ON THE SHELF AND STAYING ON THE SHELF
- Getting on the Shelf and Staying on the Shelf.pdf
- Wholesale Cost Calculator.pdf
- Store Visit Handout.pdf
September 30 FOOD SAFETY
- Food Safety Presentation.pdf
- Food Safety_Bronze.pdf
- Food Safety_Silver.pdf
- Food Safety_Gold.pdf
- Food Safety_Platinum.pdf
October 7 DISTRIBUTION
- Distribution Presentation (including Glossary).pdf
- Bronze - Distribution.pdf
- Silver - Distribution.pdf
- Gold - Distribution.pdf
- Platinum - Distribution.pdf
October 14 PACKAGING
Zoom Recording (code: eKwZp.J9)
- October 21 CO-MANUFACTURING
- Co-Manufacturing Presentation.pdf
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- Bronze - Co-Manufacturing & Equip.pdf
- Silver - Co-Manufacturing & Equip.pdf
- Gold - Co-Manufacturing & Equip.pdf
- October 28 MANUFACTURING TOUR
November 4 BANKING AND ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Banking and Access to Capital Presentation.pdf
