Fareway Business Coaching Cohort

Join The Iowa Center & Fareway executives as they lead classes on key grocery distribution topics for Iowa's small business owners.
About this Event

Do you dream of placing Iowa products on the grocery store shelf? This cohort is for you! Join The Iowa Center and Fareway executives for two sessions filled with classes targeting key grocery distribution topics. Each session includes new topics, so be ready to attend both!

9:15 a.m. | Coffee & Networking
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Classes & Discussion

Placing Iowa-sourced products on the grocery store shelf is good for consumers, our economy, our environment, our food system, and our entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2024, The Iowa Center launched a Business Coaching partnership with Fareway to support Iowa small business owners who dream of placing a product on the grocery store shelf.

THE CURRICULUM:
Session 1: (10/10/26)

1. Topic #1: BRAND AWARENESS - Developing Identity and Distinguishing Your Product
2. Topic #2: MARKET STRATEGY AND PROMOTION PLANS - Social Media and Go-to-Market Strategies
3. Topic #3: GETTING READY FOR GROCERY - Readiness Checklist, Feedback from Customers & Buyers
   

Session 2: (10/24/26)

1. Topic #4: INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION - Evolution of Products, Branding, Partnerships, and Making It Past the First Month of Sales
2. Topic #5: LEGAL & FOOD SAFETY - Intellectual Property, Brands, Labels, Oversight, Insurance and Recalls