In The Business of Food

In The Business of Food Business Workshops -
We lead a number of development workshops and classes for entrepreneurs and soon-to-be entrepreneurs in the small food business industry.

Topics range from technical to professional development, including Human Resources, Social Media Marketing, Brand Development and much more. Graphic Design -
Working with a graphic designer can be difficult and we've tried to make the process easier. We provide graphic design services, including in-person meetings and edits, because it can be hard to put your vision into words. Business Support Se

rvices -
We realize that there are a tremendous amount of challenges that entrepreneurs face and we want to help will some of those gaps. We start with a consultation, discuss your business and your goals and then we formulate of plan for areas that we think we may be able to help. You choose, a la carte or as a whole package, which services are right for you.

Are you tired of feeling like you have to hold it all together?The truth is, food entrepreneurs are making big decisions...
05/22/2026

Are you tired of feeling like you have to hold it all together?

The truth is, food entrepreneurs are making big decisions all day while quietly running on empty. The stress is real. The pressure is real. And the little voice telling you that you should have it figured out by now is loud.

Demarra West is back on IBF Live, and we are going deeper this time. We are talking about what it actually looks like to lead with a clear head, protect your peace, set boundaries without guilt, and catch yourself before stress starts running your business for you.
If you have been needing this kind of conversation, this one is for you.

IBF Live with Demarra West
Friday, June 12
10am
Live on Instagram at

Orders are up. Profits are not. Sales are growing. Operations are not keeping up. Sound familiar?To Proof: Food Business...
05/11/2026

Orders are up. Profits are not. Sales are growing. Operations are not keeping up. Sound familiar?

To Proof: Food Business Growth Studio is a six-week, hands-on program for operating food businesses ready to strengthen pricing, systems, and infrastructure so growth actually works in your favor.

Participating businesses will also have the opportunity to vend at Saturday Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the country with over 30,000 visitors every weekend.

You will learn directly from operators and specialists including , , , , and Nowak.

Foodservice and CPG applications are both open. Link in bio to apply.

Our last IG Live on Well-Being While Running a Food Business opened up an honest conversation around imposter syndrome, ...
05/07/2026

Our last IG Live on Well-Being While Running a Food Business opened up an honest conversation around imposter syndrome, pressure, and the reality that a lot of food entrepreneurs feel like they have to figure everything out on their own.

This session, we’ll continue the conversation with partners from Michigan School of Psychology and Southern Smoke Foundation, including a closer look at the Behind You program and the support available to food & beverage workers and farmers.

Join us Live on IG on May 8th at 10am!

and

Follow along and turn on notifications so you don’t miss it.

Here at IBF, we talk a lot about access and building stronger food businesses.Last year, that work extended beyond the U...
04/27/2026

Here at IBF, we talk a lot about access and building stronger food businesses.

Last year, that work extended beyond the US when we hosted a food systems leader from Timor-Leste through the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program, a U.S. State Dept exchange focused on entrepreneurship and global collaboration. And as part of the program, select collaborations continue through a reciprocal exchange, taking the work into the fellow’s home country. So next month, is headed to Timor-Leste!

She’ll be facilitating food safety trainings similar to what we host in partnership with Market and Detroit At Work, while also engaging with the U.S. Embassy and national leadership on how safe food practices can drive entrepreneurship and economic development. We’re proud to represent the D in this way, and excited for the knowledge and connections we’ll bring back home. We’ll be sharing more from Timor-Leste along the way, what’s one thing you’re curious about when it comes to food businesses in other parts of the world?

, , , , , , and

Watching our cohort members grow into their businesses is exactly why we do this work.Milana Duthie, the founder behind ...
03/20/2026

Watching our cohort members grow into their businesses is exactly why we do this work.

Milana Duthie, the founder behind , joined our cohort last year with a vision and the drive to see it through. Now she is out here running her business and putting Detroit-made snacks on the map.
She is proof that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. We are grateful she trusted us to be part of her story.

Go support her work. And if you are a food entrepreneur who is ready to take that next step, our next cohort is worth looking into.

During our first IBF Live: Well-Being While Running a Food Business, many entrepreneurs opened up about something rarely...
03/18/2026

During our first IBF Live: Well-Being While Running a Food Business, many entrepreneurs opened up about something rarely discussed in this industry: imposter syndrome, the pressure to have all the answers, and the lingering stigma around asking for support.

For Episode 2 on March 30 at 10:00 AM, and leadership wellness coach are continuing that conversation.

This time we’re digging into how those internal pressures manifest in real ways while running a business. The feeling that you must carry everything alone because you’re the owner. We’ll talk about what it actually looks like to build support into how you lead your business, not because something is wrong, but because entrepreneurship is demanding and no one should have to navigate it alone.

Demarra is part of IBF’s Ask an Expert program, where food entrepreneurs can schedule one-on-one sessions to work through the leadership and personal challenges that come with building a business. Join us live on Instagram and bring your questions. Have you ever dealt with imposter syndrome while running your business?

Happy Hour in the Market is back on March 23rd and this one is going to be a good time. In celebration of Women’s Histor...
03/09/2026

Happy Hour in the Market is back on March 23rd and this one is going to be a good time.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, come out to from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, connect with fellow food entrepreneurs and local farms, and get a taste of what Shop is cooking up with local produce from In the Mix Detroit. will be setting the vibe, beverages are covered, and this month we are showing up in partnership with and .

Good people, good energy, good food. Come see what food entrepreneurs and farmer are up to. Link in bio to sign up.

One of the things we love most about this work is watching what happens after the cohort ends. , owner and confectioner ...
03/06/2026

One of the things we love most about this work is watching what happens after the cohort ends.

, owner and confectioner behind , was part of our cohort last year. Today she is running a thriving Midtown dessert shop known for scratch-made ice cream, sorbets, and premium alcohol-infused flavors that keep people coming back.

Ysahai is a great example of what food entrepreneurs can build when they have the right foundation and the right community behind them. We are proud to have been part of her journey.

If you are in Detroit, go support her. And if you are a food entrepreneur thinking about what is next for your business, our next cohort may be the place to start.

Your brand needs to work at the farmers market, on the shelf, on your website, and everywhere in between. If it is falli...
03/04/2026

Your brand needs to work at the farmers market, on the shelf, on your website, and everywhere in between. If it is falling flat in any of those places, this is the workshop for you.

On March 18th, brand designer is coming to Shed 5 to break down how to build a brand that stays consistent no matter where your business shows up. In person and online. 5:30 to 7pm.

And one attendee walks away with up to $400 in design services from Lisa Wallace Design.
Spots are limited. Link in bio to register.

March is packed and we are ready for you. Whether you are just starting out or ready to level up, we have something for ...
03/02/2026

March is packed and we are ready for you. Whether you are just starting out or ready to level up, we have something for you this month.

3/3 Food Business Licensing 101
3/9 ServSafe Manager Certification (Spanish)
3/18 Designing a Brand that Translates Across Spaces with

3/23 Happy Hour in the Market

Drop a comment and tell us which one you are coming to.

Link in bio to register.

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2200 Hunt Street Suite #434
Detroit, MI
48207

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