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Home chefs and budding entrepreneurs with the goal of producing that craft bottled beer, hot sauce, or family recipe for breads, pies, or cookies, Interfaith Neighbors Business Development Center wants to help move that goal from concept to fruition.

“Creating a successful food business is more than just having a good idea or recipe,” BDC Director and program creator Roger Boyce [at right] has said. “The notion I had when I started this is that if you are struggling, an extra $5,000 a year might as well be $1 million. It can help you buy a car or help supplement a family’s needs.”

The Food Entrepreneur Program was kicked off with a food seminar in November of 2016 and intensive business mentoring began in January 2017, said Gillian Edgar of the Business Development Center.

“We engaged four teams in the program in 2017,” she said. “Their products being: gourmet chocolates, small batch jams, hand-dipped macaroons and organic energy bars. One standout of the group was the energy bar team – they have launched their Viva Energy Bars into several retailers and have gained significant market traction since completing the FEP program.”

Administered in conjunction with Rutgers University Food Innovation Center, the Food Business Basics Seminar will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday at The ShowRoom Cinema, located at 707 Cookman Ave. On the agenda is an overview of the most important aspects of getting a product to market, current consumer trends, food technology, food safety and product commercialization.

Now in its third year, business mentoring workshops led by BDC professionals guide participants from concept to production through economic development support and local business growth within Asbury Park. It offers entrepreneurs and small business owners a full spectrum of support services and low-cost office space at its facility at 1201 Springwood Ave.

“The goal is coming up with a successful product which will allow participants to gain access to the food industry technologies at the Rutgers Food Innovation Center,” Boyce has said.

Financial assistance is available for qualified participants. The cost of Tuesday’s seminar is $15. To register, click here.

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