University of Nebraska–Lincoln

The Food Processing Center

Food From Thought

By attending "From Recipe to Reality" entrepreneurs gain in one day the information that could take months to research on their own. They will acquire valuable knowledge on the basics of starting a food business. This seminar helps attendees understand the challenges of starting a food business and helps them to make an informed decision as to whether developing a business is the right choice for them.

2009 Workshop Schedule:
January 9 - Lincoln, To register, please call (402) 472-2819
February 28 - Storm Lake, IA
March 9 - Lincoln, NE
March 17 - Spearfish, South Dakota
March 19 - Brookings, South Dakota
May 2 - Shreveport, Louisiana
May 15 - Lincoln, NE
May 16 - Presented in Spanish, Lincoln, NE
May 20 - Chicago, IL
August 15 - Lincoln, NE
October 3 - Lincoln, NE

Jill Gifford

Manager

402-472-2819
Contact

Phase l -- From Recipe to Reality

The one-day "From Recipe to Reality" seminar is the first step in developing a food business. It is specifically designed to provide entrepreneurs with an understanding of the key issues they will need to consider when starting a food business. Participants include individuals interested in marketing a family recipe, individuals with a product idea or concept, producers considering adding value to an agricultural product, restaurateurs exploring the manufacturing of a house specialty, and storeowners contemplating the development of a private label products.

"From Recipe to Reality" provides a general overview of the many issues involved in developing a food manufacturing business. Seminar topics address important questions that every entrepreneur should consider.

  • Market research and selection
    • What are your target market options?
    • What is market research and how do you use it?
  • Product and process development
    • How do you commercialize your recipe?
    • What are your processing facility options?
  • Food regulatory issues and agencies
    • What agencies govern the food industry
    • How do the food regulations affect your business?
  • Packaging and labeling
    • What are the required elements of a food label?
    • What claims are allowed on food labels?
  • Pricing and cost analysis
    • How do you determine a competitive price for your product?
    • What other business costs do I need to consider?
  • Product introduction and sales
    • How do you introduce your product to the marketplace?
    • How do you create sales?
  • Promotional material package
    • How do you create your promotional message?
    • What should your promotional package include?
  • Food safety and sanitation
    • What are the basics of food safety?
    • What are the microbiology concerns for food products?
  • Business structure
    • How should you structure your business?
    • How should you protect your business?

To request additional information about the Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program, please contact Program Manager, Jill Gifford.