Feed the Soul Foundation Restaurant Business Development Program
Feed the Soul Foundation
$15,000 in services
$15K coaching for culinary entrepreneurs
Feed the Soul Foundation provides $15,000 in comprehensive business development assistance — free coaching, consulting, and training — to marginalized culinary entrepreneurs and restaurant owners across select US cities. The 6-month program covers Finance & Accounting, Marketing & Advertising, Business Expansion, Operating Procedures, and Human Resources. Spring 2026 cohort has 45 total spots across 10 cities. Applications open February 1 – April 15 each year.
- Funding type
- Program
- Level
- Private
- Amount
- $15,000 in comprehensive business development assistance valued at this amount, delivered as direct consulting, coaching, and training services. Not a cash grant — delivered as in-kind professional services. Includes 6 months of expert consultation across 5 business development focus areas.
- Realistic amount
- $15,000 in equivalent professional business development services over 6 months. No cash is disbursed.
- Deadline
- Annual: applications open February 1, close April 15 (or when all spots fill). Spring 2026 cohort has 45 spots across 10 cities — spots fill on a regional basis. Check the website for region-specific availability.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- subsidized services
Who qualifies
- Culinary entrepreneurs and restaurant owners — including food trucks, caterers, and food manufacturers
- Program targets 'marginalized culinary businesses' — minority-owned, women-owned, immigrant-owned, and underserved community businesses
- For-profit business model (not nonprofit organizations)
- Business must be located in or near one of the 10 participating cities (cities vary by cohort — check website for Spring 2026 locations)
- Application typically requires a brief description of the business and development goals
Hard requirements
- Restricted to industry: food, culinary, or restaurant business
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Business development consulting in Finance & Accounting
- Marketing & Advertising strategy and implementation support
- Business Expansion planning and guidance
- Operating Procedures review and optimization
- Human Resources consulting and guidance
Ineligible expenses
- Cash grants or direct financial assistance (this is a services program, not a cash grant)
- Capital equipment or infrastructure
- Inventory or operating supplies
How to apply
-
1
Check regional availability and apply online
Visit feedthesoulfou.org to confirm your region's spot availability. Submit the online application form between February 1 and April 15. Once your region fills, applications for that region close — apply early.
-
2
Application review and selection
The Feed the Soul Foundation reviews applications and selects participants. Criteria appear to focus on the business's need for business development support and alignment with the foundation's mission of supporting marginalized culinary entrepreneurs.
-
3
Participate in 6-month business development program
Selected participants engage with expert consultants across 5 focus areas over 6 months: Finance & Accounting, Marketing & Advertising, Business Expansion, Operating Procedures, and Human Resources. Format includes group sessions and individual consultations.
Industry & certifications
NAICS codes: 722511, 722513, 722514, 311
This is a subsidized services program, not cash — the $15K value is in expert consulting time delivered to your business. Regional spots fill fast, particularly in major food cities. The simple application (about 15 minutes) makes this worth applying to even if your business is already somewhat established.
Deadline & timing
Spring 2026 application window was February 1 – April 15. Once a regional cohort fills (approximately 4–5 businesses per city), that region closes. 45 total spots across 10 cities nationally. A fall/winter cohort may also be offered — check the website. Apply early, as high-demand cities fill quickly.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.