The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill is now accepting applications for participation in a free value-added food product program. Applicants must be interested in developing value-added food products and bringing them to market in the Mohawk Valley. Accepted applicants will begin a free twelve-month intensive program starting in January 2025 with full-service support through December 2025.
The program’s goal is to accelerate the success of small businesses, measured through increased value-added food product development, revenue, and job growth. As we continue to adapt to this ever-changing economy, this program comes at an ideal time to launch small businesses into their next phase with strategic planning, economies of scale, collaboration and mentorship.
Participants in the program are offered a complete suite of services and resources tailored to their specific needs. This suite includes free support on new food product development from concept through commercialization, recipe development, testing, planning, financial advisory services, and connections to distributors, retailers, and wholesalers inside and outside the Mohawk Valley.
Additional services and shared-use facility resources such as commercial kitchens, a dairy processing center, a food packaging lab, a bistro and tasting room, a cheese cave, a brewing and distilling lab, and a USDA meat and fisheries processing lab are available based on participant needs.
Apply at: https://suny.cobleskill.edu/IRVREGISTER
Applications are open through Saturday, November 30.
