the Proof: Food Business Growth Studio application form (CPG edition Summer '26)

the Proof: Food Business Growth Studio Application Form

Consumer Packaged Goods edition
A 6-week lab for growth-stage food businesses preparing to scale. This program is designed for those that want to scale their operations, build effective teams, and stand out in a competitive market. Investment: $200

This application is for the CPG track
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
What best describes your gender?

MaleFemaleNon-binaryA gender not listed herePrefer not to say
Which race or ethnicity best describes you?

American Indian or Alaskan NativeAsian/Pacific IslanderBlack or African AmericanHispanic or Latina/oWhite or CaucasianI prefer not to answerOther
What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed?

High School or GED equivalentSome collegeTrade SchoolAssociate's degreeBachelor's degreeMaster's degree or higherPrefer not to answer
Select your age:

18-24 years of age25-34 years of age35-44 years of age45-54 years of age55+ years of agePrefer not to answer
Business Name
Provide a brief description of your business
How long has your business been operational?

Less than one year1-2 years3-5 years5 + years
Is your business considered a foodservice-based business?

Yes, it is a brick-and-mortar restaurant, bar, cafe, bakery, etcYes, it is a food truck/cartYes, it is a catering businessYes, it is a private chef/meal prep/pop up businessNo, it is a food product-based (CPG) businessOther
What is your business' yearly revenue?

Below $25,000 in annual revenueBetween $25,000 and $50,000 in annual revenueAbove $50,000 in annual revenue
Does your business have general liability insurance?

YesNo
Do you have a business banking account?

YesNo
Is your business registered with the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)?

YesNo
Do you have a business plan?

YesNo
Are you able to generate financial statements (Profit & Loss, Cash Flow Statement, Balance Sheet) for your business?

YesNo
What is the most recent tax year for which your business has filed a return? Please specify a year.
Do you currently use accounting software to track your business finances? If so, what system do you use?
How well would your current business space accommodate your business' growth plans? Please explain.
Please provide the business' social media handles
Does your business have a website? If yes, please provide the link.
How many employees (part-time or full-time) does your business employ? Not including the owner(s).

01-34-67+
What particular information are you looking to gain from participating in this 6-week growth lab?
This 6-week growth lab will be a blend of one-on-one technical assistance + in-classroom sessions. In-person class sessions would take place on Thursdays: June 4th, June 11th, June 25th, and Wednesday, July 8th. Will you be able to commit to attending these in-person sessions?

YesNo
Would you like to be included in our biweekly e-newsletter for food entrepreneurs and business owners?

Yes please!No thank you
Anything else you would like us to know?
Eastern Market retains a limited number of scholarships for those experiencing financial hardship. Please email: shed5kitchen@easternmarket.org if you are in need.

We will be in contact via email after May 11th to inform each applicant whether they have been accepted as there are only 10 spots available for this growth lab.

Thank you for applying!
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the Proof: Food Business Growth Studio Application Form

A 6-week lab for growth-stage food businesses preparing to scale. This program is designed for those that want to scale their operations, build effective teams, and stand out in a competitive market. Investment: $200