Edible Enterprises can accommodate a limited amount of new tenants each year and accepts tenants on a quarterly basis in January, April and July. The fourth quarter is the busiest season for the food industry and our time for future business planning; therefore, we are unable to onboard new tenants during this period.
The first step is to tell us about your business, product, goals and specific needs via our website inquiry form found on our Inquire page. We will then reply with our assessment and recommendations.
All companies that are determined a good fit for our program are required to submit a business plan, product cost analysis and proof of business capital prior to acceptance. Edible Enterprises partners with the following programs to provide free assistance in these areas:
www.goodworknetwork.org
www.lsbdc.org
www.lbtc@lsu.edu
Upon completing program prerequisites, you will attend an Orientation to learn the next steps to meeting state and federal requirements for starting your food business and become an Edible Enterprises tenant. Our team will help you through this process.
A one-time, non-refundable Administrative Fee is also due at the Orientation. Cost is $200 for SEBD Certified companies and $400 for non-SEBD certified.
What does it cost?
We recommend that all companies have 6-12 months of business expenses saved before applying for our program. According to Entrepreneur.com, many food business startup costs range between $10,000 - $50,000.
You need a minimum of $2000 to just start up your business. This only covers your business registration, UPC code, label approval, occupational permits, insurance and administrative fee. Product ingredients, packaging, graphic design, website creation, sales materials, production labor, marketing, distribution, and most importantly, your compensation are additional expenses to consider.
Edible Enterprises kitchen rental is available to our tenants at an hourly rate of $20 and scheduled on a first come-first served basis.
Tours
We host group tours monthly at 11 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.
You must RSVP and have submitted an online website inquiry form to receive a tour confirmation.
| 2012 Facility Tour Dates | |||
| January 11th | April 11th | July 11th | October 10th |
| February 8th | May 9th | August 8th | November 14th |
| March 14th | June 13th | September 12th | December 12th |