The Seasoned Accelerator program supports small food businesses, which makes it unique among local accelerator programs for its focus on food vendors. It was established in 2020 and funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD). We have served 34 entrepreneurs since the program’s founding.
We strive to support diverse groups of business owners to create a healthy local food economy, grow small businesses, and generate quality food sector jobs, especially for people facing barriers to employment.
Blacker the Berry- 2022 Cohort – Photo by Kaya Kelley
Kenshi Kobayash, Founder of Kenchan Ramen – 2022 Cohort – Photo by Kaya Kelley
Each year a cohort of 10 entrepreneurs receives:
- 1:1 business advising and mentorship
- Webinars on business development and issues specific to the food and beverage industry
- Linkage to resources and opportunities, including Small Business Development
Our coaches and webinar instructors, with deep knowledge and first-hand experience in food and beverage, teach and coach on Growth Strategy, Business Planning, Operations refinement, Financials, and more.
“The Seasoned Accelerator Program has been an amazing experience. My two business mentors have been instrumental in helping me make critical decisions – big or small – and offered me guidance and valuable coaching advice every week. The program also covered diverse topics to help our cohort of small businesses navigate the terrain of being an owner of a startup.’’
– Kenshi Kobayash, Founder of Kenchan Ramen
Check out a webinar from the 2022 class series here!
We’re Setting the Table!
Space is Limited and Excitement is Brewing!
The Seasoned Accelerator has a limited number of spaces available for current farmers’ market food vendors and food businesses not presently vending in our farmers’ markets. If you’d still like to join, please click the button below for our waiting list.
We invite volunteers with extensive experience in the food and beverage industries to support our entrepreneurs. If you are interested in providing instruction, individualized coaching, support, or other resources, get in touch!
Email: maybelline@see-la.org.
Dear Mama L.A – 2022 cohort – Photo by Kaya Kelley