CULTIV8: Agribusiness Incubator

The Cultiv8 Agribusiness Incubator

Cultiv8 is an agribusiness incubator that is designed to develop, equip and provide technical assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs to improve our local food ecosystem. Our program was created to meet the unique needs and barriers of African-American farmers, however we will assist any farmer and business owner that needs assistance.

Our incubator program is a hybrid model focused on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & Persons of Color) Agribusinesses, both start-ups and existing. We have seen the disproportionate allocation of resources to these populations and our incubator is a direct solution to increase equitable access of needed resources. The goal of the incubator is to increase the access of healthy food in underserved areas by providing support, resources and technical assistance to farmers, local food entrepreneurs and business owners through the following approaches:

  • Education
  • Branding & Marketing
  • Networking
  • Business Opportunities
  • Technical Assistance & Mentoring
  • Business Development & Planning
  • Funding
  • Project /Grant Management

We Offer:

  • One-on-one technical assistance, mentoring and access to expert technical advisors that work across all disciplines.
  • Wide range of educational workshops, hands on training, tours, field days to support sustainable farming practices.
  • General business development and planning funding sources and partnerships with lenders.
  • Access to workshops, webinars and resources on relevant topics including updates related to business, agriculture, and local food systems.
  • Guidance navigating USDA programs and completing forms and reviewing applications for assistance.
  • Project & Grant Management (State & Federal), Grant Writing, ensuring you are compliant and meeting all deliverables.

We Support:

  • Farmers
  • Co-ops
  • Food Hubs
  • Local food producers
  • Farmers Markets
  • Foodpreneurs

The Healthy Food Business Intensive

Program Overview

The Healthy Food Business Intensive (HFBI) is a 10-week hybrid business development program designed to equip farmers, market operators and emerging food entrepreneurs in the pre-planning or start-up phase. HFBI provides the tools, coaching, and connections needed to grow sustainable and profitable businesses.  

Through a combination of expert-led workshops, personalized coaching, and peer learning, participants will gain the business acumen and operational skills needed to navigate the challenges of running a food-based business; while making healthy, locally grown food more accessible to their communities. 

Program Details 

Duration: 10 weeks (8 Virtual sessions: Thursdays January 8, 2026- March 14, 2026 and In-person workshop and Graduation (March 12-14, 2026, Charleston, SC) 

Format: Interactive group sessions, 1:1 business coaching, and peer networking 

Curriculum Highlights 

  • Business planning and financial management for small food enterprises 
  • Branding, marketing, and customer engagement strategies 
  • Legal structures, licensing, and compliance in food business operations 
  • Supply chain management, market access and sourcing products
  • Sales channels: farmers markets, mobile markets, retail, and wholesale 
  • Accessing funding and capital for business growth 

Program Benefits 

  • Interactive virtual workshops (business basics, finance, marketing, compliance, operations) 
  • One-on-one coaching and office hours for tailored support 
  • Peer learning circles & accountability partners for shared growth 
  • Guest speakers & experts on finance, insurance, and market access 
  • In-person summit in Charleston, SC, featuring site visits, pitch practice, and a pitch competition 

Who Should Apply 

This program is ideal for: 

  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs who are launching or growing a healthy food business. 
  • Early-Stage Business Owners (0–3 years in operation) seeking structured guidance, tools, and accountability to grow their enterprise. 
  • Farmers interested in diversifying revenue by selling directly to consumers or institutions. 
  • Farmers Market Managers looking to strengthen operations and vendor success. 
  • Mobile Market Operators aiming to expand access to healthy food in underserved areas. 

No prior business training is required, just a commitment to building a viable, community-driven food business. 

Why Apply 

The Healthy Food Business Intensive is more than a training, it’s a launchpad! 

Participants will: 

  • Build confidence and clarity around their business vision and strategy. 
  • Develop a working business plan ready for implementation or funding. 
  • Gain practical, applicable tools and skills for managing finance, marketing, and operations. 
  • Receive expert coaching and feedback tailored to their unique business goals. 
  • Join a supportive network of food entrepreneurs and partners working to strengthen local food systems. 
  • Position their business for long-term sustainability and impact in advancing healthy food access and economic vitality. 

Application Process & Tuition  

The tuition for the Healthy Food Business Intensive covers all program materials, workshops, mentorship, access to resources, and lodging for the in-person workshop in Charleston, SC. Airfare and local transportation accommodations are not included.

Click the following link to apply: HFBI Application

Tuition Fee: $3500 Full Payment: Due by January 2, 2026.  Payment plan options are available. 

Deadline: Applicants must apply by December 12, 2025. 

For more information, contact:

Joy M. Hutton, Small Business Consultant

hfbi@fcihe.org

 

Black Farmer Directory: Cultivating Connections

In an effort to buy and support local black farmers, we created this directory to connect consumers, suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, grocers and markets with local South Carolina BIPOC Farmers. If you are a BIPOC Farmer and want to be featured and promote your business in the directory, please email us at info@fcihe.org.

Launching Early 2024