2025 Food Business Development Consulting

Starting and growing a food related business is challenging. If you are up for the challenge, Lone Maple Farm Food Business Development Consulting (FBDC) provides business development resources to help turn your idea into a viable and sustainable business. From growing agriculture commodities, to restaurant start ups, to food processing, to beverage and alcohol, leverage decades of business experience to grow your business plan into a successful business.

Where to start?

Start FREE at first...there are many free federal, state, and local free programs to help you start developing your business plan. Highly recommended resources include the SBA (visit https://www.sba.gov/), your local Small Business Development Center (visit https://www.sba.gov/sbdc) (in Broome, Cortland, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Yates, Allegany and Tompkins counties visit https://www.binghamton.edu/centers/small-business-development/) and your local cooperative extension (in Broome county visit https://ccebroomecounty.com/). All of these will help you put your initial thoughts into a structured plan.

What Next?

Conduct FREE market research...reach out to family who can provide truthful feedback on your food item. If you pass the family test (they love it!), then reach out to friends you know will be candid with you. You need to have a least 10 people who will put in writing that if your product was available at a specific price, they would buy it. This is called a letter of intent. Obtain an addition 20-40 letters from acquaintances for a total of 30 to 50 letters.

When to contact the FBDC?

After you have a formal written business plan and proved there is demand in the market for your product, email fbdc@lonemaplefarm.com. We will set up a meeting to see if you qualify for the program.

What does the FBDC do for you and what are the steps?

Review your business plan
Formally invite you to participate in the program
Help Create a Personalized Production/Operations Plan
Provide the facilities (physical location and equipment) required for you to produce your product(s)
Provide the initial business structure for you to operate (licenses, operating procedures, etc)
Optionally provide a location to sell your product(s)
Conduct weekly business advising and consultations
Help Create Scaling Plans

What facilities are available?

20-c kitchen (confection ovens, mixers, proof boxes, oven/stove, food processing and baking equipment)
Greenhouse space for indoor agriculture
Land available for outdoor agriculture
Access to suppliers for bulk pricing and to meet order minimums
Walk in freezer
2 Walk in coolers
Retail display coolers
Retail refrigeration coolers
Retail display freezers
Retail sales space
Point of sale system
Labeling and signage printers
Truck unloading and loading areas
Managerial assistance

How long does the program run?

Open Enrollment is January 1st to March 30th of each year. The program runs from April 1st to October 31st each year. The goal is to start, grow, and expand your business within 1 to 2 years and move you out of the program.

Is if free?

No...the cost depends on which assets are required for each individual business. Cost will be included in the invitation to participate in the program.