Good Food Accelerator Announces Innovative New Business Model

    CHICAGO, IL, October 09, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Good Food Accelerator (GFA), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping food-focused businesses, announced an innovative change to its business model – the introduction of a Membership option. The program, now in its sixth year, works with entrepreneurs at various stages of development to enable increased growth and increase their potential for success. Through 2020, an additional focus on working with firms on the south and west sides of Chicago has expanded its impact on minority- and women-owned businesses and underserved or underrepresented communities.

GFA's new Membership program provides these businesses with a year-round program that combines the power of the GFA Network and its breadth of talented volunteer advisors with events and curriculum that provide expanded opportunities for networking and learning.

GFA's Managing Director, Shelby Parchman commented, "When I took on the responsibility of leading GFA earlier this year, expanding our services to all communities across Chicago was one of my top priorities. Making these changes allows us to provide food-focused businesses with day-to-day engagement, making a big difference in overall success of the individual businesses."

GFA historically provided support to food-focused entrepreneurs through their Go to Market and Accelerate for Growth cohort programs. Lasting up to six months, these programs provided instruction across a range of topics including marketing, distribution, financials, management and operations. Participants also receive one-on-one mentorship from business experts and have access to GFA's wide network of experts for additional counsel. The Go to Market and Accelerate for Growth cohort programs will now serve as just one of the many benefits made available to GFA members.

The new Membership-oriented model will give GFA Members access to additional tools, resources and other valuable information, even if they are not a part of one of the cohort programs. "By strategically building on our cohort programs we can bring even more local food entrepreneurs into our family," Parchman stated. "We are committed to and strongly believe in creating a cohesive, supportive community for everyone."

The new model went into effect on October 1. Businesses interested in being a part of GFA can visit us online or contact GFA at [email protected] to learn more.

Based in Chicago, the non-profit Good Food Accelerator helps food entrepreneurs expand the production, marketing and distribution of locally and responsibly produced food, in order to enhance the social, economic and environmental health of Chicago area communities. With a strong focus on underserved and underrepresented communities, as well as women- and minority-owned businesses, GFA has created programs that provide opportunities for learning, connection and counsel that can be difficult to access. Learn more at GFA.

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