Food Business Refresh

The Food Business Refresh Program was developed and launched in 2020 in partnership with the Small Scale Food Processor Association. Refresh was initially designed to help micro and small-scale food processors achieve success or maintain viability despite business challenges created, or amplified, by the COVID-19 pandemic and other market disruptions. Refresh helped food businesses develop and implement a "Refresh Plan" or pivot plan, to mitigate the impact of market disruptions or to accelerate growth and seize opportunities stemming from market shifts. It provided businesses assessments, specialized training, and resources to small food business employers.

Working with the Small Scale Food Processor Association, we developed, designed, coordinated, and delivered Food Business Refresh. In 2020, 104 small-scale food processors used a comprehensive self-assessment tool to assess their needs; the tool also gauged participant knowledge and identified needs in key food processing business areas. Business Impacts Included:

• Over 68% of participants' Refresh pivot led to new sales deals
• Over 34% of participants realized production cost savings
• 37% increase in permanent employees
• 88% projected increase in temporary staffing
• 66 Companies completed a Refresh Plan and took advantage of the implementation funding to advance their pivot plan
• 98% Participant satisfaction rate