APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 16TH, 2025

The Carolina Artisan Kitchen Lab is an 8-week, hands-on food-based business accelerator program led by Food Industry Pros. From unique food experiences to customer service, marketing, finance, shelf stable production, and launching your own food venture—this course gives you the skills to level up your tasty venture. Built to support food businesses with once a week sessions, Mondays 6:30-9pm, June 2 thru July 21th! Expand your knowledge and network with guest speakers, get support with new technology to foster business growth and profitability, with servsafe certification included along with a chance to win $5,000 in cash & supplier credits for your food biz!

Participants may come from anywhere within the region (defined as Barnwell, Bamberg, Allendale, Orangeburg ,Hampton, and Aiken Counties). However, to compete in the pitch competition, a business must demonstrate measurable impact within the service region. For most participants, this will mean operating their business in the same county where they reside. If accepted into the program, there will be a $100 fee for participation due by the first class, which is an all inclusive fee for all 8 weeks of classes and 6 months of mentorship.

Participants will leave the program with:

1. ServSafe Manager Certification – Included with no extra fee is the Industry-recognized food safety training which is required for most food based businesses. The Test and Certification can be taken by any one person within your business, if you are already certified!
2. Hands-On Culinary Business Training – Learn the ins and outs of launching and scaling a successful food venture.
3. Customer Experience & Service Skills – Develop techniques for creating memorable food experiences and building loyal customers.
4. Marketing & Branding Strategies – Craft your food brand and learn how to effectively reach your audience.
5. Financial Literacy & Pricing – Understand cost control, menu pricing, and leveraging current technology to ensure profitability.
6. Shelf-Stable Product Knowledge – Learn production methods to bring your packaged goods to market safely and legally.

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO May 16th, 2025