Feed the Soul Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, developed to aid marginalized professionals in the culinary industry. Funding for the Restaurant Business Development Program (RBDP) is provided by external corporations with a vested interest in the creation and sustainability of businesses owned and operated by marginalized individuals.

 

The Restaurant Business Development Program is designed to support restaurant owners like you by offering comprehensive business development assistance valued at $15,000. This program ensures your business is financially sustainable, operationally sound, and advancing towards your next culinary endeavor. Cohorts will receive six months of intentional consultations followed up with educational training service, continuous training and services, extend to support you with procedures that will help you process and maintain your business. 

 

Awarded recipients are determined through a comprehensive three round review process. It is not guaranteed that all those who apply will receive the grant. 

 

Here is how the 3 Rounds of the selection process will be conducted;

 

Round 1 - Pre Business Assessment: selected businesses will move on to Round 1 and will need to complete a Pre Business Assessment.

 

Round 2 - Virtual Interviews: selected businesses will move on to Round 2 and be chosen to participate in virtual interviews. 

 

Round 3 - Final Selection: selected businesses will be chosen as the final grant recipients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Applicant must be a "Culinary Business". A Culinary Business is defined as; Restaurant, Food Truck, Bakery, Bar/Lounge, Pop-up Food Stand, or Ghost/Cloud Kitchen.  ALL OTHER BUSINESS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED 

 

2) Culinary Business must be at least 51% owned by a person (or persons) who identify as marginalized.

 

3) Culinary Business must be located in the United States, including Puerto Rico. 

 

4) Culinary Business must be in operation 24 consecutive months prior to applying to the RDBP. 

 

5) Culinary Business must have more than 4 employees.

 

6) Culinary Business must have an accounting software program like QuickBooks, that is active and currently being used.

 

7) Grant applicant or owner must be committed to attending 2 hour virtual classes with industry experts from July-December.

  

8) Grant applicant or owner must be willing to provide 3 years of financial statements including but not limited to; Balance Sheets, Profit & Loss/Income Statements, Taxes and General Ledgers.

 

9) If chosen to progress to Round 1, grant applicant must complete the Pre Business Assessment. 

 

10) Applications must be submitted using this electronic application. Paper applications will not be accepted.