Capital Nourishment Workshop Series

Through the Local Food Economy Lab, the Alliance is thrilled to offer a two-part virtual workshop series designed to help small business owners and community leaders better understand the spectrum of capital and overcome barriers to accessing funding.

This workshop series is offered in partnership with Charity May, founder and principal of Sacred Futures.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Which sessions will you attend? This two-part series is designed to build across both sessions, and we encourage participants to attend and engage in both whenever possible.*

February 12, 2026 @ 11am–12:30pm PT: Understanding CapitalMarch 5, 2026 @ 11am–12:30pm PT: Sourcing Capital
The following set of questions will help us understand the demographics that will be attending the workshop.
What is your current gender identity? Choose all that apply.*

ManWomanNonbinaryTransgenderPrefer not to discloseOther
Which categories best describe you? Choose all that apply.*

Asian, Asian AmericanBlack, African AmericanHispanic, Latinx, Latin AmericanNative, IndigenousNative Hawaiian, Pacific IslanderNorth African, Middle Eastern, Arab AmericanAfricanBiracial, Mixed RaceA Person of ColorImmigrant, Refugee/Asylum Seeker, First Generation AmericanWhite, EuropeanPrefer not to sayOther
The following set of questions will help our workshop trainer learn more about the businesses attending the workshop.
Where do you see yourself in the food system? Choose all that apply.*

Farming and/or RanchingFishingFood Processing / Value-AddedRestaurant / CafeMicroenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO)CateringMobile Food Vendor (Food Truck, Cart, Pop-Up)Food DistributionFood Retail / GroceryOther
What is the name of your business?*
What is the ZIP code of your business?*
How many years have you been in business?*
Have you ever applied for or received funding for your business?*

No, I’ve never appliedI’ve applied but was not approvedYes, I’ve received grants onlyYes, I’ve received debt (loans) or equity
When you think about sourcing capital for your business, what emotion comes up most strongly?*

Excited/hopefulOverwhelmed/confusedAnxious/fearfulFrustrated/discouragedMotivated/determinedOther
Overall, how would you rate your comfort level with understanding and sourcing capital for your business?*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Not comfortable, 5 is Very comfortable
What use of capital would make the biggest difference for you?*

Purchasing new equipmentCovering general operating expensesInvesting in new business line to grow cash flowAcquiring land, building / infrastructure, or another businessEmergency care funds to restabilize operationsOther
Which statement best reflects your current relationship with business finances?*

I have professional support (e.g., accountant, bookkeeper, fractional CFO, technical assistance providers, dedicated employee) to assist me in handling my business financesI don’t have professional support to assist me in handling my business finances
What's your biggest barrier to accessing capital right now? (Select as many that are relevant)*

I don't know what types of funding existI need to understand which type is right for my businessI need assistance with building out cash flow projections and/or managing my financial recordsThe funding process is intimidating and hard to understandI’ve had negative experiences seeking funds from capital providersI'm afraid of holding debt or don’t want to give up ownershipOther
Complete this sentence: "For my business to reach the next level of stability or growth, I need..." (specific dollar amounts, types of support, infrastructure needs, market access, etc.)*

0/120
Consent to Recording & Note Taking The workshop will be recorded and shared with registered participants as well as made available on the San Diego Food System Alliance website.*

Yes, I consent to the above.I need more information. Please reach out to me by email to receive my consent.
Should be Empty: