Norfolk’s economic inclusion office announced that eleven local food businesses have been added to the city’s master catering list after finishing the sixth cohort of the city’s Bon Appétit program. The free, eight‑week training ran from early September through October 30, giving participants hands‑on instruction in branding, finance, and operations.
Program structure and graduation
Each week of the program focused on a different aspect of running a food‑service operation. Participants learned how to develop a brand identity, manage cash flow, comply with health regulations, and market their offerings to municipal clients. On the final day, October 30, every business owner presented a pitch to fellow cohort members and city officials, fielding questions about their concepts and growth plans.
“The final presentations were the culmination of two months of intensive learning,” said Lashawnda Hall, Norfolk’s senior economic inclusion manager. “All graduates will now appear on the master catering list that city departments use when they need food services for events, meetings, and community gatherings.”
Grant opportunity and financial education
In addition to the catering list placement, each graduating business becomes eligible for a $7,500 grant to support equipment purchases, marketing, or other growth initiatives. Hall emphasized that the grant is designed to help entrepreneurs translate the program’s classroom lessons into real‑world improvements.
Veteran TV journalist and owner of Beignets and Brew in the Ghent neighborhood, Danya Whipple, highlighted the value of the financial modules. “I think that’s a big part of being a business owner that people kind of put on the back burner, overlook,” Whipple said. “You think, ‘Hey, I have this idea, this is how I’ll make it work,’ but you really have to be particular with the finances, and they gave us so many great tools to be able to do that.”
Potential impact on local businesses
Being on the city’s catering list opens doors to contracts for municipal events, school functions, and public celebrations. Whipple expressed optimism that the exposure will translate into new orders. “Hopefully they’ll call us and say, ‘Hey, we have this event. We want you to cater it,’” she said.
The program also fostered networking among the eleven participants, allowing them to share resources, collaborate on joint promotions, and support one another as they scale their operations.
Looking ahead
City officials expect to launch a seventh Bon Appétit cohort in March, with applications opening in January. The continued investment in culinary entrepreneurship reflects Norfolk’s broader strategy to strengthen small‑business growth, create jobs, and enhance the city’s cultural vibrancy.
For more information about the program and upcoming application windows, interested entrepreneurs can contact the city’s Economic Inclusion Office.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
