There are good things ahead for longtime 4AP client, Hoyo Sambusa. The Somali-owned frozen food...
This September, 4AP launched a new Gather & Grow cohort with 14 food entrepreneurs ready to take their businesses to the next level. The kickoff event brought together not only the entrepreneurs, but also volunteers from across our food industry partners who showed up to share their expertise and support. Collectively, our volunteers bring decades of food industry experience in product development, manufacturing, food safety, and finance—a powerful resource for the cohort as they work through the program.
The businesses in this year’s class represent a wide range of products and stages of growth, from early-stage start-ups to scaling companies. Together, they showcase the diversity and creativity of our food community.
Meet the Fall 2025 Gather & Grow Cohort:
The Gather & Grow curriculum is designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen both their business and industry knowledge. Over the course of 10 weeks, participants dive into key topics such as understanding their product and consumer, food safety, packaging and labeling, sales and distribution, and access to capital. Each session combines practical learning with peer exchange and individual coaching (that we call "office hours"), so entrepreneurs walk away with tools they can apply directly to their businesses.
We are especially grateful for the instructors and volunteers who make this program possible:
Debbie Stewart, Dave Brandt, Christine Winterkamp, Max Hintz, Morgan Patrick, Peter Knoll, Russ Tourville, Tim Heinemann, Bethany Richardson, Mike Cook, Chris Dumont, John Rebhorn, Johnny Castillo, Asa Bielenberg, John Dooley and Stephen Obayuwana.
