RECORDED WORKSHOPS
Missed out on one of our workshops? No worries - we’ve got you! Check out our recorded workshops below & get the info you need for your food business.
Tracy Schuhmacher: So you want your business to be in the media
Whether your business is brand new, or you have been in operation for many years, we highly encourage you to attend this workshop. Traditional media (print, TV) is a great, often free way to get the word out on your business to a wide, local audience. Tracy Schumacher is the Rochester region’s top food and beverage reporter. She has written numerous articles on small, local food business in the area; introducing these businesses to the public and helping them build traction for their brands. Tracy will cover topics such as:
Working with reporters and leveraging limited funds
Difference between advertising and editorial coverage
Pitching your business to the media
Click here to view Tracy’s outline for successful media relations.
Feeding your Feed: Social Media & Content Creation for your food business
Social media is an amazing, cost-effective marketing tool to grow your business. It enables you to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and gather data on your audience. However, the process can also be overwhelming and intimidating. Mary McClelland, a digital marketing professional, reviewed best practices for content creation and more importantly, showed us how to have fun creating it! This workshop will covered:
Overview of social media platforms and their content options (Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok)
Account types & their data capabilities
Content development - simple editing & photo staging, scheduling posts, how to use promoted posts (ads), and when outsourcing may be a good idea
Syncing social accounts with your branding and connecting with other brands & influencers
Photo & video demos: staging, lighting, and editing
Shelf-Made: Getting your products ready for distribution & on the shelves of a grocery store
Maureen Ballatori, CEO of 29 Design Studio, and Frank Cavallaro, COO of Ithaca Hummus, review what it takes to get your product ready for a wider audience: working with a distributor, wholesaling, or pitching to get it ready for the grocery store. This workshop will outline branding, shelf life, supply chain, and pitching your product. Watch the recording here. View the presentation here.
PathStone Enterprise Center Services: Connecting with lenders, loan services, & financial planning
PathStone Enterprise Center provided an exclusive workshop to Commissary members and applicants where they shared info about services they offer for free to entrepreneurs, as well as loans for startups ranging from $5,000 -- $50,000. Unlike other lenders, PathStone will work with entrepreneurs to provide business development workshops, mentoring and coaching, and 1 to 1 assistance with industry experts and professionals. For those who are looking to get approved for a loan, assistance is provided in areas such as creating a business plan and understanding financial information required for loan submission and approval.
To view the workshop, click here. To view or fill out The PathStone Enterprise Center Intake form, click here. To view the article referenced in the workshop, click here.
Pricing & Profitability for Your Food Business
This workshop offered critical and valuable instructions for food businesses at every stage, with an emphasis on food & recipe costing. You can watch the recording of the workshop here.
This workshop utilized several examples & resources. Access them here:
Choosing a Legal Entity for Your Food Business with VLSP
Volunteer Legal Services Project (VLSP) of Monroe County walked through the process of forming a legal food business and what to consider when choosing a legal entity. VLSP also shared information about the resources they can provide to members of our community. Watch the recording here. View the VLSP presentation in PDF form here.
Financing Your Food Business
Representatives from the City of Rochester, Kiva Rochester, Pathstone Enterprise Center and ESL Federal Credit Union discuss available financial resources for food businesses, funding application requirements and funder contact information. Watch the recording here.
The Commissary YouTube Channel:
View our full collection of workshops featuring local food industry leaders.