1. Food Enterprises That Work
Defensibly unique offering
Sufficient market and business scale to generate adequate cash flow
The right brand, packaging, pricing, sales and distribution channels, and promotional programs
The right staff, production facilities, & QA
Enough appropriate capital to fund growth
Businesses need both equity and debt to differing degrees as they grow.
Both can be either slow money or shark tank.
Public funding for public benefits
A transformed food system is made up of economically and ecologically sustainable enterprises that share these business model characteristics.

2. A Business Model Path That Works
Viable Local Food Business Models That Achieve Scale and Cash Flow
Go Where the Market is
Diversify Income
Horizontally Integrated Businesses
Vertical Integrated Processors
Stay Small
Most local food companies can be positioned to follow one of these three paths to success. Each presents different financing requirements and opportunities.

3. How Much Capital is Enough? Direct Sales Local Brand
High percentage of direct to consumer sales
Shared use facility
Often little or no other labor cost
High cost of goods sold
Inventory high % of sales
AR low (direct model)
Equity: F & F, Kickstarter, Prepayments
Debt: Microloans

4. Sources of Funds for Food Companies
Food companies always need both debt and equity, even startups. Getting clarity about how much a company needs, what sources are appropriate for what and when, and who to ask, is critical.

5. What’s Coming From FFI to Help Advance Your Food Sector Growth
Edible-Alpha Program
Capital Source Cultivation
Certification training for local technical assistance providers
Technical reports that support technical assistance providers & entrepreneurs in optimizing company business models and packaging financing requests
A learning community & client referral network for the best technical assistance providers statewide
Training and packaging for complicated equity raises
Technical assistance to communities, funds, and investors looking to invest in companies in the sector
FFI currently collaborates with the statewide SBDC’s, DATCP, FAB, Slow Money WI, conventional lenders and investors.
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