As North America's first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson's unique blend of cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit provided the perfect setting for the launch of our Food Forward initiative. This program was born from a desire to bridge the technological, educational, and marketing gaps faced by local food producers and to empower them with the tools needed for success.
Program Overview and Aims
The Food Forward program was designed with a clear vision: to enhance the business capabilities of small to medium-scale food producers by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary for growth and expansion. This initiative encompassed several key areas, including entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and the advancement of eCommerce capabilities to open new consumer markets.
Achievements and Impact
Over two years, Food Forward achieved remarkable results:
Educational Impact: Four cohorts completed the program with a 94% graduation rate, totaling 76 food companies.
Technological Enhancement: We developed 19 eCommerce sites specifically tailored for local producers, thereby increasing their digital presence.
Market Expansion: In partnership with Visit Tucson, we launched the SoAZ Made virtual market platform, featuring 82 local vendors and achieving 9,121 unique site visits, significantly enhancing consumer access to local produce.
Media Engagement: Our efforts were complemented by extensive media coverage, including eight print articles and multiple television segments, raising community awareness and support for the initiative.
Looking Forward
As we continue to build on the success of the Food Forward initiative, our focus remains on expanding our impact. Plans include enhancing our SoAZ Made platform to include more producers, refining our educational modules based on participant feedback, and exploring new partnerships to widen our support network. We are also still offering the Recipes for Success pre-accelerator, but have opened it to all industries!
Startup Tucson’s Food Forward initiative exemplifies a successful model for fostering agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship. By bridging gaps in knowledge, technology, and market access, we have catalyzed the growth of local food producers, contributing to the economic vitality and cultural richness of Tucson’s gastronomy scene. As we look to the future, we are excited about the potential to further enhance and expand this impactful program.
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