San Diego Food Justice Project Celebrates Fourth Graduating Cohort

Another San Diego Food Justice Project graduation is in the books! Cohort 4 successfully saw 47 business owners complete the program walking away with key skills for business success. Completing the program required they partner with mentors from organizations working to equip them with tools in marketing, budgeting, managing inventory and expenses, as well as learning the fundamentals of the law so the business remains legitimate. Our goal is for business owners to continue pursuing their business goals using the tools of the San Diego Food Justice Project curriculum and grant leading to their long-term success in the food industry.

Traditionally we celebrate business owners by hosting a banquet-style graduation. Business owners prepared their businesses’ specialty dishes to share with their graduating class. Following the banquet were keynote speakers who spoke words of encouragement and thanks to the participants and organizations. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates of completion to the participants. Each participant will also receive a grant ranging from $2,500-$7,500.

To our partners - Regional Entrepreneurship Center (REC) Innovation Lab at San Diego Miramar College, the COOK Alliance,  Jacobs Center, and Business For Good. - THANK YOU for your commitment and service to the four graduated cohorts.

A special thank you to our guests and partners, Council member Consuela Martinez from District 1, Senior Economic Development Analyst from the California Employment Training Panel, Rebecca Eusey, and representatives for My Point Credit Union, Adrianna Brunner, Carmen Contreras, and President/CEO David Brooke, for joining us on the special occasion.

Participants of Cohort 4 - CONGRATULATIONS!!! We hope this achievement serves to remind you all of your commitment to seeing your business dreams realized one step at a time.