Launch & Grow a Food Business: Lean & Smart Ways

Join us at the Neighborhood Innovation Center in Dutchtown for an exciting, hands-on workshop designed to help food entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses efficiently and sustainably. As part of Dutchtown’s 314 Day celebration, this workshop will provide step-by-step guidance, industry insights, and smart strategies for launching a successful food business with minimal risk.

Led by John Chen and Caya Aufiero of Urban Eats, this session distills years of frontline experience into practical, actionable takeaways tailored for today’s food industry landscape.

### What You’ll Learn

🚀 Find Your Customers – Define your ideal market and understand their needs.
💡 Develop Profitable Products – Validate demand before making big investments.
📣 Craft Messages That Resonate – Build a brand that attracts and retains loyal customers.
📊 Test & Adapt – Use lean startup principles and mini-launches to refine and grow your business.

### Bonus Features

✨ AI-Powered Business Tools – Explore how generative AI like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can streamline daily operations, marketing, and financial management.
🍽 Gold Star Gourmet Pre-Launch Event – Immediately following the workshop, experience an exclusive first tasting of Gold Star Gourmet’s innovative brunch concept, where you'll see a real-life example of a food business in action.
🎟 Special Perks for Business After Hours Attendees – If you attended the March 13th Business After Hours, you get free access to this workshop and an exclusive preview of our AI-Powered Playbook, designed to help entrepreneurs launch and scale smartly.

### Why Attend?

This workshop is part of Dutchtown’s 314 Day celebration, highlighting innovation, community, and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur or an economic support organization looking to strengthen local businesses, this event will provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and real-world inspiration.

Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward building a thriving food business in St. Louis!