Growing into a Storefront

Level Up Your Food Business in 8 Weeks

Unlock the full potential of your food business with our 8-week course designed to accommodate a variety of concepts. Whether you're a growing food business planning for your future, or an established storefront seeking expertise and guidance,  our program equips you with essential processes, resources, and connections to help you reach your goals. 

This curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects crucial to running a food business: leadership systems, marketing strategies, accounting and bookkeeping basics, operational practices, and storefront build-out processes.

Gain insights directly from local business owners, chefs, and management experts, all backed by the extensive industry experience of the Corporation for Findlay Market staff. We will break up in-classroom sessions with off-site visits to operating restaurants and hands-on learning opportunities. This course provides a structured pathway for optimizing your current storefront operations, or taking the next step in your food business journey.  Registration begins in November each year, and classes begin in the winter.

Growing into a storefront alumni

Course Breakdown

  • Week 1: Leadership & Culture

  • Week 2: Branding

  • Week 3: Marketing & Promotions

  • Week 4: Operations

  • Week 5: Financial Management & Best Practices

  • Week 6: Storefronts: Buying, Leasing, and Design

  • Week 7: State of the Industry Panel

  • Week 8: Graduation Ceremony

Registration for the 2025 Growing Into a Storefront Cohort is now closed. For questions about Growing Into a Storefront or Findlay Learn, fill out the interest form to receive personalized guidance from our team.

interest form