FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the application period for Food Foundry?

Applications are now closed. Stay tuned for more information! Learn more about Cohort 6 here.
What is Food Foundry?

Food Foundry, a founder community and accelerator program built in collaboration with Relish Works and Gordon Food Service, advances innovative businesses who are reshaping the food and foodservice industry. From early-stage innovators to established industry leaders, Food Foundry cultivates a dynamic ecosystem of support through strategic investment, network access, guidance, and tailored programming.
Who is Relish Works?

Relish Works is an innovation hub that exists to better understand the future of the foodservice industry and create solutions that ensures it continues to thrive. As human centered designers, the Relish Works team focuses on having conversations with real people today in efforts to understand, iterate, and develop sustainable solutions to the foodservice industry’s most complex issues. Through research and development, market placement and business development, Relish Works stands ready to create new products and technology to solve tomorrow’s foodservice industry problems.
Who is Gordon Food Service?

For 125 years, Gordon Food Service has delivered the excellence, expertise, and quality products customers need to design successful food operations and experiences. They have grown to become the largest family-operated broad-line food distribution company in North America by upholding the same business approach since 1897—being passionately committed to the people they serve.
How is the Food Foundry program normally structured?

Food Foundry’s accelerator program is for pre-seed to seed stage startups, with a robust curriculum consisting of a mix of group-based learning focused on early-stage startups, extensive 1:1 support, networking opportunities, events, and workshops facilitated by industry experts. Programming for Cohort 6 took place both in-person (in Chicago, IL and Grand Rapids, MI) and virtually over the course of 7 weeks, April 8th through late May, 2024. Group programming with cohort members happens every other week, Tuesday - Thursday, with off weeks reserved for 1:1 mentorship.
What are the financial terms for Cohort 6 participants?

Startups chosen for Cohort 6 will receive $15K in equity-free funding.
Do I have to relocate my startup if accepted to Food Foundry?

No, startups do not need to relocate, but should plan to be present for any in-person programming or events taking place in Chicago, IL or Grand Rapids, MI.
What mentor support will my company receive?

Each startup chosen for Food Foundry’s accelerator program will have access to 1:1 support from a vast network of mentors, including alumni founders, investors, subject area experts, and foodservice industry professionals. This also includes leaders from Gordon Food Service, Food Foundry, and Relish Works’ networks.
Can I speak with someone about the program?

If you have questions that aren't answered on our website or this FAQ, please email us directly, team@thefoodfoundry.com.