FCC Food Entrepreneurship Program Wraps Up Another Successful Year

The latest cohort of Frederick Community College's Food Business Entrepreneurship program recently finished up and class participants were provided an opportunity to pitch to judges about their future food business ventures! The City of Frederick: Department of Economic Development and Frederick County Office of Agriculture co-sponsored the Food Business Entrepreneurship program again this year. Our team meets with food entrepreneurs, participated in a panel discussion with class members and have even assisted with the pitch competitions.

The Food Business Entrepreneurship Program allows class participants to hone their skills and experience while increasing credentials in partnership with the Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute. Delivering foundation-level concepts and knowledge in entrepreneurship and food service management, topics included financial management, front & back of house operations, marketing & sales, regulatory requirements, kitchen skills, and more. Expert-led instruction also develops skills to plan for, start, and operate a food service business.

Culminating in an exciting pitch competition, participants showcased their new business concepts to local industry and financial community partners with opportunities to win monetary awards and/or customized mentorships with working professionals in the field.

Congratulations to the following winners:

🥇 1st Place – Fat Sassy's Take and Bake, Nicole Scott: Awarded a six-month subscription to Maryland Bakes!

🥈 2nd Place – Punk 'n Peasant Pierogi, Brandy Gurbal: Awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Frederick Community College Foundation Culinary Competition Scholarship Fund!

🥉 3rd Place – Aunt Jean's Cuisine, Jamie Brown: Awarded a $500 cash prize, sponsored by FoodPro!

🏅 4th Place – Bol Apetit, Onella St. Hilaire: Awarded a $500 cash prize, sponsored by Wegmans!

To learn more about FCC's Food Business Entrepreneurship Program, visit: Food Business Entrepreneurship - Frederick Community College

If you are interested in starting or growing your food related business, reach out to our team at the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development to schedule a meeting, call 301.600.6360 or email business@cityoffrederickmd.gov .