Cross-sector partnerships in Connecticut’s food & beverage entrepreneurship ecosystem
Recorded at the 2024 Big Connecticut Food Event on 2/9/24 at the Yale School of the Environment.
Moderator
Onyeka Obiocha (CTNext)
Panelists:
Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt (CT DoAg)
Dean Indrajeet Chaubey (UCONN CAHNR)
Charlie Negaro (Chabaso/Atticus/CT Food Launchpad)
Katrice Claudio (reSET)
Connecticut's food entrepreneurs face significant challenges, but a recent panel discussion revealed a promising path forward through collaborative ecosystem building. Bringing together leaders from agriculture, academia, non-profits, and local businesses, the conversation highlighted critical needs and opportunities for supporting food startups in the state.
The Current Landscape
Connecticut boasts an impressive agricultural foundation: 5,500 farms generating $4 billion for the state's economy, employing 22,000 people, and utilizing 370,000 acres of land. However, the food system faces complex challenges that require innovative solutions.
Key Challenges for Food Entrepreneurs
Resource Navigation
Entrepreneurs consistently struggle to navigate the complex landscape of starting and scaling a food business. Many find themselves lost in a maze of regulations, funding requirements, and market access challenges. As Patrice Claudio from RESET noted, the current systems are "nebulous" and confusing, particularly for small-scale producers.
Access to Capital and Support
Small food businesses often face significant barriers to growth. Cottage food producers making minimal revenue struggle to access funding and scaling opportunities. The current model tends to prioritize already-profitable businesses, leaving promising early-stage entrepreneurs behind.
Processing and Infrastructure Gaps
Many Connecticut food producers must look outside the state for critical services like co-packing and food testing. Dave Acker from Maple Craft Foods shared his experience of having to use a Massachusetts facility due to limited local resources.
Proposed Solutions and Opportunities
Food Innovation Center
The most recurring recommendation was establishing a comprehensive Food Innovation Center. UConn's Dean Indrajit Sobti described this as a "one-stop shop" that would provide:
Regulatory guidance
Product testing
Business development support
Food safety training
Market access strategies
Similar centers in neighboring states like New Jersey and Rhode Island have proven successful, offering a model for Connecticut to follow.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
The panel emphasized the importance of breaking down silos between sectors. Successful ecosystem building requires active participation from:
State government
Universities
Non-profit organizations
Private sector businesses
Commissioner Brian Hulbert of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture stressed that while organizations can facilitate connections, entrepreneurs must take the first step by reaching out.
Localization and Resilience
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. Connecticut has an opportunity to build a more resilient local food system by:
Supporting local producers
Creating value-added processing opportunities
Developing direct-to-consumer market channels
Investing in urban agriculture
Practical Recommendations for Entrepreneurs
Leverage Existing Resources
Attend networking events
Participate in farmers markets
Connect with local non-profit incubators
Explore grant opportunities
Focus on Relationship Building
Charlie Neguero from Chabaso Bakery highlighted that successful businesses are built on 25-30 key relationships. Networking and collaboration are crucial.
Understand Regulatory Requirements
Work closely with organizations that can help navigate complex food production regulations.
The Path Forward
While challenges remain, the panel expressed optimism about Connecticut's food entrepreneurship potential. With strategic investment in infrastructure, support systems, and cross-sector collaboration, the state can create a thriving food ecosystem.
The proposed Food Innovation Center represents a critical next step. By providing comprehensive support, reducing barriers to entry, and creating clear pathways for growth, Connecticut can transform its food landscape.
Key Takeaways
Connecticut has a strong agricultural foundation
Entrepreneurs need more accessible resources
Cross-sector collaboration is essential
A centralized Food Innovation Center could be a game-changer
Local food systems offer significant economic and resilience benefits
Call to Action
For food entrepreneurs, government officials, academic institutions, and private sector leaders: Now is the time to collaborate, innovate, and build a more robust food ecosystem in Connecticut.
The conversation highlighted that while the challenges are complex, the potential for growth is immense. By working together and creating supportive infrastructure, Connecticut can become a model for food entrepreneurship and local food system development.