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.

08/19/2026

What the Roux app say?

What is the Roux app?
Recipe costing app & business tools built for food entrepreneurs. Know your numbers, price with confidence.

More information in our bio.

Thanks to our actors Josmine Evans and Cesille Mariel Torres

Last week, IBF Detroit joined industry leaders from across Michigan to learn more about the work of Southern Smoke Found...
08/13/2026

Last week, IBF Detroit joined industry leaders from across Michigan to learn more about the work of Southern Smoke Foundation (SSF) and two of their programs: the Behind You mental health program and the Emergency Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance to food and beverage workers experiencing unexpected hardship.

For the past year, we've been proud to partner with SSF because we know that entrepreneurs, restaurant workers, farmers, and food business owners often carry an incredible amount of responsibility, sometimes without realizing that support is available to them.

Through our Instagram Live series and community partnerships, we've been working to ensure our community knows these resources exist, understands who they're for, and feels empowered to use them. Just as importantly, we're working to shift the conversation so people know these resources aren't only for moments of crisis. Mental health support, counseling, and other services can be part of building a healthy, sustainable business, not just recovering when things become overwhelming.

We're committed to continuing to connect our community with resources that help entrepreneurs, farmers, food business owners, and hospitality professionals build not only stronger businesses, but healthier, more sustainable lives.

Follow Southern Smoke Foundation to learn more about these programs, or visit their website to see if you, someone on your team, or someone you know may be eligible for support. And if you have questions about the Behind You program or how these resources can support food entrepreneurs and business owners, drop "Behind You" in the comments or send us a DM. We're happy to point you in the right direction.

To Proof: Food Business Growth Studio ‘26 cohort in the books!Over the last several weeks, these food entrepreneurs chal...
07/29/2026

To Proof: Food Business Growth Studio ‘26 cohort in the books!

Over the last several weeks, these food entrepreneurs challenged their assumptions, ran the numbers, refined their brands, built new systems, asked difficult questions, and supported one another through every stage of the process. Watching that growth never gets old!

One of the things I’m most proud of is that this experience isn’t built by me alone. Every cohort is strengthened by a community of people who generously invested their expertise and poured into every entrepreneur.

A huge thank you to Christina Christina DeBose, C H U K N O W A K Chuk Nowak, Lisa Wallace Design Lisa Wallace, Elias Khalil, Lauren Daniels, MBA Daniels, Stephanie Parker, Derek English Derek English, and Porscha Kates. This program is stronger because of you.

And thank you to every entrepreneur who trusted us with your business. It’s never easy to make time for classes after long days in the kitchen, to be vulnerable enough to ask for help, or to rethink the way you’ve always done things.

You did all of that, and I’m excited to see where you go from here.

One of our graduates shared something after graduation that perfectly captured what we hope every participant leaves with: “We leave this cohort feeling more confident, more prepared, and more excited than ever about the future of our business... we are incredibly grateful to be part of this community and proud to call ourselves graduates of this program.”

Congratulations, Summer 2026 To Proof graduates.Thanks to Eastern Market and New Economy Initiative for your support and partnership.

What does it actually cost you to run a food business not just financially, but physically and mentally? Studies show ho...
07/20/2026

What does it actually cost you to run a food business not just financially, but physically and mentally?

Studies show hospitality workers face some of the highest rates of stress and burnout of any industry.

Let’s talk about it. IBF Live: Well-Being While Running a Food Business is happening Thursday, July 24th at 10am with Michigan School of Psychology and Southern Smoke Foundation. Tune in on IG Live.

If you know a food entrepreneur who needs to hear this, send it their way.

07/13/2026

Come as you are. Leave with new connections, new energy, and maybe a new collaborator.

Happy Hour in the Market is almost here and this is the event that reminds you why community is everything in this industry.

Farmers. Makers.Entrepreneurs.Food business owners. The organizations supporting them. All in one room, at Eastern Market, doing what Detroit does best.

This month we’re gathering Full Measure Brewing Co.

07/07/2026

Roux does the math nobody explained to you.
Cost out your recipes, see your real margins, and finally know what your plate should cost before you sell another one.

Link in bio to get started!

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?

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2200 Hunt Street Suite #434
Detroit, MI
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