Thinking of starting a food business? This course could help

A course designed to help people in the early stages of starting a food business is being run by Donegal’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

The Food Starter programme will be delivered over four half days and is for people who have an idea for a food business, or those in the first 24 months of their food business. 

According to LEO: “The objective of the course is to provide the participants with a base knowledge of what is involved in setting up a food business. 

“The content is designed to provide you with information which will allow you to avoid the pitfalls normally associated with this journey.

“The course content assumes you have the required business knowledge to run your enterprise e.g. you must already understand the basics of setting up a business, tax compliance rules, creating a business plan etc.”

Anyone who does not have basic business knowledge could still benefit by doing the course in conjunction with Donegal LEO’s Start Your Own Business Programme.

While certain aspects of the syllabus are relevant to those setting up cafés or restaurants, the core content is designed for those producing food to be sold through third parties. 

For those considering applying for the Food Academy Programme in the future, this course will provide an excellent opportunity to boost their chances of securing a place.

Classes will run from 9.30am to 1pm on September 18, 19, 25 and 26, all of which must be attended online by participants. It costs €50, which includes four hours one to one mentoring for each business. 

This course will be delivered by Conor Hyde of Bullseye Food Marketing who has a wealth of experience working with the food production sector.

The full course content can be found here

Anyone with further questions can contact Margaret via email at margaret.campbell@leo.donegalcoco.ie or by calling 087 406 82 71.