SBDC EATS: In Collaboration with the City of Costa Mesa
Fridays: May 1 – June 5, 2026 I 10 a.m. – Noon
*See schedule below for full details.
Are you interested in starting your own food business? Brought to you in collaboration with the OCIE SBDC and the City of Costa Mesa, SBDC Eats is a program that helps you learn what it takes to do so! Through this program, you will be guided through the necessary steps to plan, build, and launch your food business and products in the marketplace. SBDC EATS will be taught in a hybrid format (online and in person).
*This program is offered in English & Spanish.
During the program, you will learn:
Going from Idea to Concept
- Do you have what it takes?
- Steps to starting your food business
- Types of food businesses
- Competition
- Your niche
- Market research
Setting up Your Business
- What are the different business entities?
- The pieces you need to set up your business
- Licensing and permits
Honing In on Your Offerings
- Your offerings
- Recipes
- Inventory
- Pricing and costing
Starting to Sell
- Cottage permits
- Selling at events
- Managers certification
Managing Your Business
- Accounting methods
- Financial projections
- Access to capital
Getting the Word Out
- Marketing your business
- Establishing your online presence
- Steps to stand out and shine in a crowded market
- Measuring your success
This program culminates in a celebratory Graduation & Showcase Event, where each participant will have the opportunity to feature their food products in a curated private market setting. This is a special moment to invite friends, family, and community supporters to experience your business firsthand. Graduates will be recognized, celebrated, and receive exclusive perks as they officially launch their food business into the marketplace.
Through this program, you will be aligned with one of our food consultants for personalized assistance and to discuss how to move forward toward the launch of your business. You will be required to attend all sessions in order to participate in the graduation showcase event.
Program Schedule:
Session 1: Friday, May 1 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 2: Friday, May 8 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 3: Friday, May 15 I 10 a.m. – Noon (In Person)
- The Hood Kitchen Space – 350 Clinton St Ste. A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Session 4: Friday, May 22 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 5: Friday, May 29 I 10 a.m. – Noon (Zoom)
Session 6: Friday, June 5 I *9:30 a.m. – Noon (In Person)
*Participant arrival time is 8:15 a.m. Event starts at 9:30 a.m.
- Norma Hertzog Community Center – 1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
** Please note that attendance is MANDATORY at ALL sessions **
Only those who attend the sessions live will receive the slide deck and a link to the webinar recording.
