APPLICATION: 2022 Three Sisters Kitchen Food Business Training Program

Applications for the 2022 Food Business Training Program at Three Sisters Kitchen are now open!

We are excited to offer this program for aspiring manufactured food and value added producers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our Food Business Training Program was designed to create opportunities for food entrepreneurs who have great ideas, but don’t have a lot of financial capital, to explore and experiment with food business concepts in order to determine what a viable food business looks like for you. (Please note, if you are interested in developing a restaurant, catering, or food truck concept, we encourage you to check out our partners at the Street Food Institute at www.streetfoodinstitute.org. Our focus at Three Sisters Kitchen is on manufactured food products – like a jarred salsa or a packaged cookie product line.)

Our Training Program is designed to provide an introduction to food safety and product development, and to support trainees as you build networks of local producers, determine strategies for regulatory compliance, and develop your brand identity and business structure. All graduates have the opportunity to attain Food Manager Certification. In addition, graduates will have a tested formula, insights on sourcing (please note we require all product concepts to include at least one locally sourced ingredient), a framework for branding, ideas for potential markets, and the ability to project the cost and potential viability of your product concept upon graduation. Our hope is that you are able to make an informed decision about whether launching a manufactured food business is right for you, and that you have a clear sense of next steps to get your business launched when you graduate.

As a part of our program, we also focus on exploring your “Food Story” to create a business that is true and unique to you. Relationship building, values, and story sharing are integral to the Food Business Training Program. Clearly articulating your food story and values as a business owner supports the development of an original product concept, and ensures a business presence and brand that are uniquely yours.

Our program requires a significant commitment – six hours of class time, plus no more than four hours of self guided work per week, for fifteen weeks. While we understand that life happens, we do expect you to attend all classes, labs, complete all assignments, and provide in-depth feedback to help ensure the most relevant and useful training program possible. If you are unable to attend class, or if you are unable to complete any other program activities, we expect that you will notify TSK staff as soon as possible. Program graduation is contingent upon full participation in the program – including no more than 3 absences.

The estimated value of this Training Program is $10,000 per trainee. In order to ensure that the program is affordable and accessible, we are committed to raising the bulk of the funds necessary to cover training program costs. The course fee for trainees is $200 (payment plans are possible). We expect all participants to prioritize program participation, attend all sessions, and give us honest feedback. Graduates are eligible for low interest loans through our Co-op Capital program (in partnership with Nusenda Credit Union), continued commercial kitchen access, communications support, and continued technical assistance and development opportunities.

Program Information:
Classes will be held via Zoom and in person at 109 Gold SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1pm – 4pm from March 1st, 2022 – June 9th, 2022

Completing THIS APPLICATION helps us track data we need for grant reporting, and get a better sense of who you are and what you hope to gain from this training program. Applications are due by February 15th, 2022 at 5pm. Feel free to email us at: myfoodbusiness@threesisterskitchen.org with any questions!
We look forward to reviewing your application.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY