Ready to Launch

Starting a food business can be a daunting task especially if you are new to the industry. 

Ready to Launch is a 14-week intensive program designed to guide new food businesses at CommonWealth Kitchen through the steps needed to secure a health permit from the City of Boston and start operations. This program is run in partnership with our partners at the Biz Grow program at Lawyers for Civil Rights.

What you will learn

Your Product and Production

  • ingredient sourcing and formula development
  • cost of goods
  • labeling
  • record-keeping
  • traceability
  • AND, hands-on support from our in house chefs to develop your recipes

Business Administration

  • creating a business plan
  • entity formation
  • market analysis

Financial
Management

  • tracking finances
  • start-up budget
  • invoicing
  • pricing

Sales and Marketing

  • how to pitch your business
  • sell sheet development
  • photography
  • digital marketing

Eligibility and Cost

Businesses in their first year of operation working out of our shared kitchen are eligible and strongly encouraged to participate. Program costs are highly subsidized—$150 for the entire program. 

We believe so strongly that the content you will learn will help you launch your business that we will refund the cost of the program to any business that attends at least 90% of the workshops!

Timeline

May 2023

Classes begin

Classes will be held virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

August 2023

Pitch Night

A chance for all of our new companies to showcase their businesses and pitch their companies.

2021 Pitch Night