Business Coaching Cohort

Placing Iowa Products on the Grocery Store Shelf

Placing Iowa-sourced products on the grocery store shelf is good for consumers, our economy, our environment, our food system, and our entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2024, The Iowa Center launched a Business Coaching partnership with Fareway to support Iowa small business owners who dream of placing a product on the grocery store shelf.

Fareway executives lead classes on key grocery distribution topics. Participants also received follow-up group and 1:1 coaching to apply the high value knowledge that they received from the Fareway team to their individual business plan. 

Virtual Cohort 2 – SPRING 2025

Enrolling now!

The Iowa Center is accepting applications for the Virtual Cohort 2 – Spring 2025! Classes will be held virtually every other Wednesday afternoon from 3:00-4:30: April 30, May 14, May 28, June 11, June 25. This cohort is for small businesses owned and operated out of Iowa. Application Deadline: April 14, 2025.

Class Topics

BRAND AWARENESS
Developing Identity and Distinguishing Your Product

 

MARKET STRATEGY AND PROMOTIONAL PLANS
Social Media and Go-to-Market Strategy

 

GETTING READY FOR GROCERY
Readiness Checklist, and Feedback from Customers and Buyers

 

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION
Evolution of Products and Branding, Partnerships, and Making it Past the First Month of Sales 

 

LEGAL, FOOD SAFETY, AND FINANCE
Intellectual Property, Brands, Labels, Oversight, Insurance, Recalls, and Investing in Yourself and Your Business

 

 

In-Person Cohort 1 – Fall 2024

Thank you to the small businesses who participated in our Fall 2024 Cohort: Leo’s Iowa Naturals, HoQ Restaurant, Musa’s Lemonade, The Crystal Forestry Project, Jazz It Up Personal Chef Services, Gabby’s Gluten Free Goods, Nadia’s French Bakery, Midland Co., Early Morning Harvest, and Hinterland Dairy!

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