MN Food Vendor
Business Development PROGRAM
A Project of Healthy Roots Institute
Helping new food vendors get licensed, trained, and prepared to thrive in Minneapolis. We offer free workshops, certified food protection manager certification, business support, and next steps.
Launch your food business
How it
works
Starting a food business can be hard. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
During this three-month immersive training program food vendors will formalize their business structure, receive food safety training, and gain 1:1 licensing support.
Upon completion, participants will have the tools they need to run a fully compliant food business in Minneapolis.
This program includes four phases with different topics, workshops, and support. Each phase is synchronously designed to build on the last.
Four Phase Model
Phase One
WORKSHOPS
Complete each hybrid workshop offered online and in-person
#1
So you want to
start a food
business?
#2
Using AI
to write your
business plan
#3
Navigating
licensing &
regulation
#4
How to set
up your SOP:
A framework
Phase Two
ServSafe is a prerequisite to the CFPM license.
ServSafe Food Safety Manager Certification
Facilitated training offered over multiple sessions
Training
Group Study
(Optional)
Extra study sessions
and office hours to
prepare for the exam.
Pass the exam to earn your ServSafe Food Safety
Manager Certification
Exam
Phase Three
1:1 Business Support
Receive business coaching and compliance support
City of Minneapolis Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) License
Secretary of State Registration
Business Liability Insurance
Cottage Food Registration
Operations Planning Support
Compliant Equipment
Topics May include:
And More…
Customized to
your unique
business needs
Phase Four
Alumni Network
Continue to stay engaged for the latest food vendor news and updates
Stay
Connected!
Access to Resource Hub
Email
List
Peer
Support Network
Social Media
Cohrot Schedule - 2025
COHORT #1
July - September
Spoken Language: English
COHORT #2
August - October
Spoken Language: Spanish
COHORT #3
September - November
Spoken Language: Spanish
COHORT #4
October - December
Spoken Language: TBD