The Feed the Soul Foundation offers the Restaurant Business Development Grant Program, an initiative designed to empower marginalized culinary business owners through robust business development services and education. The program is structured to provide selected restaurant owners with six months of consulting and training support, delivering services valued at $15,000. Applications for the next cohort are accepted from February 1 through April 15 annually.

The goal of the program is to ensure participating restaurants are financially sustainable, operationally efficient, and prepared for long-term growth. Participants receive support across multiple key business development areas including finance and accounting, advertising and marketing, business expansion, operating procedures, and human resources. These areas are supported through structured consulting services, educational training sessions, and follow-up technical assistance to help recipients maintain and implement learned strategies.

The Restaurant Business Development Program targets restaurant owners who need guidance navigating industry challenges such as theft prevention, employee management, franchise expansion, marketing strategy development, and standard operating procedure design. The foundation's model is hands-on and cohort-based, meaning recipients benefit not only from expert consultation but also from a peer community of fellow restaurateurs facing similar challenges and opportunities.

Cohort members participate in a comprehensive six-month program with ongoing support throughout. This includes planning sessions, digital learning, PR strategy support, human resources consulting, and more. The program’s emphasis is on equipping business owners with practical, actionable solutions tailored to their specific operational needs and expansion goals.

Applications must be submitted electronically between February 1 and April 15. Though the specific eligibility criteria are not detailed in the provided content, it is clear the program targets marginalized culinary businesses and students. Prospective applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the Foundation’s newsletter to receive timely updates regarding program availability and application requirements.

For additional details or questions about the program, interested applicants may contact the Feed the Soul Foundation directly at info@feedthesoulfou.org. The foundation also shares information about past cohort members, showcasing the progress and success of previous grant recipients through its alumni pages.