Food Business Lab
Support for Fargo – Moorhead Food Entrepreneurs
At the Food Business Lab, we understand how it feels to create something delicious and meaningful – but also how overwhelming it is to turn that passion into a successful business. Many talented food entrepreneurs have incredible recipes and big dreams, yet find themselves stuck, unsure how to tackle branding, pricing, licensing, and operations. And it’s frustrating to see great local ideas struggle to compete, survive and thrive because they’re missing practical business knowledge. That is why we have started this program – to create a food business incubator right here in Fargo.
We’ve spent over a decade exclusively helping local food businesses navigate these challenges. We provide clear guidance, proven frameworks, and hands-on accountability because we believe great local food ideas deserve practical support – not just theories or generalized advice.
How It Works
In this 8 week program you will join a small, committed cohort and follow a structured, step-by-step path where we bring in experts covering branding, pricing, food photography, marketing, food safety, licensing, financing, product production and consistency. You’ll apply what you learn through 1 on 1 accountability sessions, steadily building confidence and clarity.
If you’re ready to move from talented cook/baker/food maker to confident entrepreneur, the Food Business Lab is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s build something delicious together.
FALL 2026 APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
Applications Close 10/18
STEP 1
Application & Business Plan
Applications for our next cohort are open now. We have limited spots available for each cohort. Applications submitted without a business plan will be omitted. If you need assistance with your business plan, SCORE is a free resource available. To submit your application, click here or the ‘Apply Now’ button located towards the bottom of this page. We are very excited to learn about your venture!
Interview
We will reach out to those whose applications have been accepted and will schedule an in person or phone interview to further understand your business concept and where you are in your business development, You will be notified shortly after the interview if you have been accepted in to the program. Once accepted in to the program, a nonrefundable deposit will be due. Payment plans are available.
Building Your Foundation: Classroom Work
Once selected for the program, participants will meet weekly for this 8 week program. Throughout the program there are several 1:1 accountability sessions to make sure you are staying on track, your questions are answered and you feel prepared for the next steps. Below are dates for this cohort:
Fall 2026 Cohort Tuesdays from 3-5PM unless noted otherwise. We will meet at Square One or other local businesses in the Fargo Moorhead area:
Class Dates: 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 and 11/24. Honing Your Skills Sessions: Week of 11/30-12/4 and Week of 12/7-12/11. If you are unable to attend a session, accommodations will be made. 100% attendance is preferred for effectiveness.
Class Topics: Branding Basics and Storytelling, Professional Head Shots, Food Photography 101, Food Costing & Pricing, Marketing Your Business, Financing Your Business & Commercial Real Estate, Food Safety & Licensing
STEP 4
Honing Your Skills: Kitchen Work
In this portion of the program you will work 1:1 to focus on food production, best practices, food safety in action, efficiency in the kitchen, quality and consistency, inventory management, waste reduction and getting comfortable in a commercial kitchen setting. This portion is for 2 weeks with (1) 3 hour block per week or you can schedule a marathon 6 hour block if that fits your product and processes better
Week One: 11/30-12/4
Week Two: 11/7-12/1
Questions?
Please email foodlab@squareonekitchens.com
Requirements
Below is a list of requirements to participate in this program.
- Business plan (submitted with your application)
- Committed to yourself and your product
- Willingness to learn, ask questions and receive feedback
- A strong desire to pursue and truly understand your food business – inside and out
- Monetary Investment: $600.00* per participant. Includes all classes, class materials, 1:1 accountability sessions with industry experts, headshots
*Payment plans are available. The total value of this program is over $2,000.00 per participant but through generous partners and sharing of resources we are able to offer this 8 week course for significantly less.
**Participants are responsible for providing their own ingredients and any specialty equipment required for the Honing Your Skills portion of the program
Takeaways
Below is what you will take away from this program:
- Firm, clear understanding of your food business
- Confident understanding of your costs and prices
- Professional brand and marketing strategies
- Professional headshots
- Hands-on practice with real feedback
- Connection to a supportive community that specifically understands the food industry
- Accountability – we will keep you on task, on track and prepare you for success
- Understanding of your production processes, comfort in a commercial kitchen, efficiency and product refinement
Sponsors and Partners
The Food Business Lab is brought to you at a significantly discounted price through generous donations and sponsorships from local businesses dedicated to our local economy and food scene.
Why the Square One Food Business Lab Exists
“I have loved the process of creating something from nothing. I love working with farmers and using the ugly vegetables whenever possible. I love that ever single day is different and I get to learn constantly.”
“Great program, great people and great information for beginners in the food business.”
-Roynesha Ames, FLOtastic Food