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Consumer Packaged Goods 101 Cohort

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Turn your idea into a thriving CPG business.

Are you dreaming of starting a food or beverage brand but not sure where to begin?

The CPG 101 Cohort is a 6 week, hands on program designed for Columbus based food entrepreneurs in the idea stage or early startup phase (0 to 1 year in business).

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This cohort is ideal for makers who want to launch their first product, sell at farmers markets, and begin building a path toward grocery and retail. You will gain the confidence and foundational skills needed to move from concept to customer without costly trial and error.

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What You’ll Gain

  • A strong ownership mindset and business foundation

  • Hands on support with product development and early stage growth

  • Clear understanding of pricing, costs, and your numbers

  • Introductory bookkeeping and financial basics

  • Tools to build a compelling farmers market booth and customer experience

  • Live feedback and a community pitch to refine your concept

  • A supportive cohort of entrepreneurs​​​

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Cohort Details

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Program Dates:

  • March 5 to April 23

  • Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

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Location:

  • ​ECDI Main Office, 1655 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus

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Application Deadline:

  • ​Friday, February 20

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Eligibility:

  • ​Columbus-based food businesses

  • Entrepreneurs 0 to 1 year in business or idea stage

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Ready to Get Started?

This cohort is more than a class. It is a launchpad. You will leave with clarity, confidence, and momentum toward selling your product and growing your food business.

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There are only 10 spots available. Apply to secure your spot in the CPG 101 Cohort.

Applications Closed

Have questions? Contact our Food Incubator Manager at CSteinker-Brown@ecdi.org.​

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Amanda Shepard
Shepard Baking Co

"It is nice to be able to get business advice when I need it and be a part of a large community of small business owners who are navigating similar issues as me.

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Jack Moore
Black Cap Hot Sauce

“The CPG Cohort was an amazing opportunity to learn from experts and other entrepreneurs. There were brands in various stages of their journeys and I love the fact that we got to learn from both the course and from each other.

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Lucia Herrera
Underworld Feast

“Everyone at ECDI has been super helpful. We send a quick text, and we can get an answer to any question we have. They’ve really helped us scale up.

This program is made possible through the support of:

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ECDI Food Fort

 

Address

737 Parkwood Avenue

Columbus, OH 43219

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Hours

Mon-Fri from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

(24-hour access with membership)

Phone

1-888-210-3039

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