Mentorship makes our industry stronger
Running a successful specialty food business is no easy feat. From getting started with one great product to finding inspiration to expand into the right categories, challenges abound.
Fortunately, SFA members are part of a passionate community dedicated to supporting one another.
Through the SFA Mentorship program, early-stage makers get matched with industry veterans who can help them navigate their biggest hurdles. Mentors get to know the next generation of specialty food stars while gaining insight and inspiration.
The not-so-secret biggest value of this program? It’s the community you join.
Applications for the upcoming cohort are now closed. If you’re interested in joining, keep an eye out for the next application period after Winter FancyFaire* !
What to Expect
This six-month experience is designed to offer personalized support, collaborative learning, and powerful connections.
Monthly 1:1 Mentor Sessions
You’ll meet with your mentor once a month to dive into your specific goals, questions, and roadblocks. These conversations are tailored to where you are in your journey.
Monthly Cohort-Wide Calls
Join the full group of mentors and mentees for dynamic, themed sessions based on common needs—like pricing strategies, working with brokers, branding, or scaling production. Think of these as part workshop, part group brainstorm.
Peer Pods
You’ll be matched with a small group of like-minded makers who share similar goals. These informal “pods” are your go-to crew for sounding boards, encouragement, and honest conversations between cohort calls.
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
What past participants say about the program
