Stop Guessing. Start Scaling. Turn Your Culinary Vision Into a Profitable Reality.
Entrepreneur Empowerment Program
Join the 6-week intensive that has helped 38+ small businesses bridge the gap from “busy owner” to “strategic CEO.” Get the strategy, community, and access to up to $50K in capital you need to thrive.
DON’T WAIT. START BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS NOW!
Feeling Stuck?
80% of food and beverage businesses fail within 5 years. Most programs help you start; we help you survive and scale.
This program is designed to equip small businesses with the tools they need to scale and grow successfully.
We Don’t Just Teach Growth—We Fund It.
Through our exclusive partnership with Bridging Virginia, EEP graduates gain access to working capital and growth financing of up to $50,000.
Why EEP?
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Remove Barriers: We address the three conditions that drive growth: funding, expertise, and a coordinated ecosystem.
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Collaborative Space: Work with 8-16 other business owners who are experiencing the same challenges you are.
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Proven Results: 100% of past participants implemented their solutions during or immediately after the program.
- Strategic Funding: Through our partnership with Bridging Virginia, EEP participants gain access to growth financing to expand.
Collaborative Efforts
Supporting Small Businesses
Culinary Concepts AB, in collaboration with Bridging Virginia, Hatch Richmond, and Capital One, is dedicated to supporting small businesses in the culinary industry. Bridging Virginia provides crucial financial assistance to historically marginalized businesses, helping them overcome funding barriers. Hatch Richmond offers shared commercial kitchen spaces, private food production suites, and mentorship to food and beverage entrepreneurs. Capital One, as a key funder, supports the pilot launch of our Culinary Training Program, aligning with their commitment to fostering the growth and success of small businesses. Together, we create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can address challenges, set clear goals, and implement sustainable practices for long-term success.
Key Features
Collaborative Kitchen Spaces
Thought our partnership with Hatch Kitchen students get access to a shared kitchen spaces fostering collaboration and innovation among culinary entrepreneurs.
Financial Resources
Access to funding opportunities as big as 100k through our partnership with Bridging Virginia, ensures you have the capital needed to grow
Expert Mentorship
Benefit from the guidance of experienced mentors who provide valuable insights and support along with a network that will help you grow your business.
Networking Opportunities
Our programs conclude with “Spark RVA”, an exclusive graduation event offering unparalleled networking opportunities. Connect with key players in both the public and private sectors, expanding your reach and opening doors to exciting new possibilities.
Strategic Foundations (Weeks 1-2)
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Focus: Strategy, Planning, and Systems.
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What you’ll do: Develop a winning strategy for long-term growth and audit the current systems holding you back.
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Roadmap Tip: Audit your “Blind Spots.” Most failures happen because of what you don’t see. Use these two weeks to identify hidden stress points in your current operations before you try to scale them.
Operational Mastery (Weeks 3-4)
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Focus: Workflow, Time Management, and Financials.
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What you’ll do: Gain absolute clarity on your business financials and learn effective tools to reclaim your time.
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Roadmap Tip: Master Your Numbers. Growth without financial clarity is just a faster way to fail. Set time-bound business goals that are backed by your actual margins, not just your revenue.
Leadership & Growth (Weeks 5-6)
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Focus: Leadership, Management, and Re-evaluation.
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What you’ll do: Refine your plan to be sustainable and participate in a final pop-up event to showcase your growth.
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Roadmap Tip: Work on a 1-3 Year Strategy. Don’t just plan for next month. Use the leadership tools gained here to create specific action items that position your business for sustainable, multi-year success.
What Our Participants Say
★★★★★
“This course really enabled me to Zoom out and Zoom back in so that I could focus on doing things in the right order and at the right time.”
Yoseph Demise, Nile Kitchen
★★★★★
“I would recommend this to literally anyone in the culinary and small business space. I haven’t found anything better.”
Abbie Toner, Jonesin’ for a Treat
★★★★★
“There is a lot that goes into running a restaurant. I mean an extreme amount that I wouldn’t have even known if I didn’t take this class.”
Lance Lemon, Penny’s Wine Shop
Media
★★★★★
Empowering Culinary Entrepreneurs in Richmond
★★★★★
Minority-owned businesses unite to revolutionize the small business landscape in Richmond, Virginia
★★★★★
Richmond’s culinary creatives
Commitment to Excellence
Integrity & Privacy Pledge
At Culinary Concepts AB, we prioritize integrity and discretion in all our operations. Our Vault Protocol ensures that all sensitive data, including proprietary menu details and leadership session notes, are securely stored and protected. We act as your silent partner, reflecting your leadership’s excellence to members and guests. Our commitment to data sovereignty means your internal reports remain confidential, never used as benchmarks for others. Trust us to safeguard your information while enhancing your operational success.