The LEDC Food Venture Initiative is a bilingual program for entrepreneurs in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area that offers training and useful connections in order to develop, test, and formalize a business idea in the food industry. The 2022 Cohort in Washinton DC is part of the initiative Nourish DC led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development  (DMPED) in partnership with Capital Impact Partners, Latino Economic Development Center, and other community partners. 

Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to receive valuable training and information from

• Professional Chefs and Restaurant Consultants
• Restaurant Managers
• Restaurant Owners
• Representatives from Shared Commercial Kitchens
• Business Coaches and consultants
• Small Business Loan Officers
• Representatives from the Health Department

The Program Includes

• 8  Workshops covering topics such as finance, marketing, restaurant operation, and licensing
• Food Manager Course and Certification (16 hours)
• One-on-one technical assistance
• 5-month access to a commercial kitchen at no cost. 
• Financial literacy (2 Hours) and access to a credit-building or seed loan up to $2,500 (0% interest rate and $0 fees)*

*Requirements apply.

Supported by

Ideal candidates will be:

• Entrepreneurs looking to start a food business within one year in Washington DC 
• Entrepreneurs seeking to obtain a food license in DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia.
• Businesses providing healthy options or located in neighborhoods underserved by grocery stores and other food businesses.

The application will be available in April.

Register here to receive more information!

Support this initiative

As a Community Based Organization we rely on volunteers and funders to make this project accessible for our communities, if you are interested in knowing more about how to support this program please contact  Omar Velasco - [email protected] 

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