Learn, launch and level up
your food business
FOOD BIZ CON
March 6th - 7th, 2025
Kansas City, MO
Registration is now open!
Registration is made free by a generous grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
If you plan to attend both days, please register for both below.
We look forward to seeing you!
About the
Food Biz Con
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
March 6th - 7th, 2025
8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO 64157
Whether you are currently growing a food business or have an amazing idea for one, you’ll find something valuable at the 4th annual 2025 Food Business Conference on March 6th - 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.
This free, two-day conference offers topics related to mobile food businesses, manufacturing, restaurants and agriculture. It also will connect food entrepreneurs with support organizations, coaches and information. A variety of sessions, workshops and networking opportunities will equip you with the tools to strengthen your business.
Whether you are currently open for business or still have a food business dream, we have what you need to learn, launch and level up your food business!
Programs and Videos
2025 Agenda and Sessions
Thursday, March 6th
​
8:30 am
Coffee and Networking featuring Friendly Bean and Frosted by Catherine
9:00 am
The Importance of Local Food Businesses with Xander Winkel
9:20 am Keynote
The Role of Food Businesses as Community Leaders with Chris Goode, Owner of Ruby Jean's Juicery
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9:00 am Discurso de Apertura
El Viaje de Palacana: del Concepto a la Realidad con Jose Luis Valdez, Propietario/Fundador en Palacana
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10:45 am Sessions
1) How to Successfully Launch Your Food Service Business
2) Value Proposition: Understanding Why People Buy What They Buy
3) How to Create a Marketing Plan for Your Food Biz
4) Navegando por el Panorama legal del Emprendimiento Alimentario
12:00 pm Lunch
Featuring The Melt Truck
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1:30 pm Sessions
1) Branding Workshop
2) Food Truck 16 Week Startup Guide
3) Panel of Grocery Buyers & Outlets
4) Elementos Esenciales del Camión de Comida
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3:00 pm Sessions
1) Food Product Businesses 101
2) Google Business Profile
3) What's Your Food Product Price?
4) Comercialización de su Negocio de Alimentos
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4:30 pm Sessions
1) Funding Options Panel
2) Food Truck Panel
3) Developing a Basic Business Plan
4) Desarrollando su Menú
Friday, March 7th
​
8:30 am
Coffee and Networking featuring Friendly Bean and Mo Pies
9:00 am Keynote
From Corporate Sales to Making Pies with Curt Lafferty, Owner
of Mo Pies.
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10:45 am Sessions
1) Regulatory Rundown
2) Look Before You Leap
3) How to Hire and Retain Great Employees Panel
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12:00 pm Lunch
Featuring GoChew Burger Bus
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1:30 pm Sessions
1) Using Data to Grow Your Business
2) Fresh, Healthy, & Local: Sourcing From Local Farms
3) How to Manage Work-Life Balance While Running a Business Panel
​
3:00 pm Sessions
1) Developing a Social Media Mindset
2) Reading & Understanding Financial Statements
3) How to Manage Your Kitchen Like a Pro
​
4:30 pm Keynote Panel
Stories of KC Food Businesses on the Rise with Jill Silva, James Beard Award-winning food editor & writer.
Panel Features:
Jessica Dunkel Co-Owner of Slow Rise Donuts
Denisha Jones Owner of Sweet Peaches Cobblers
Jon Szajnuk Owner of Jonny Bakes
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Recorded 2023 Sessions
Funding Options
Panel of Grocery Buyers and Outlets
Pop-up Food Businesses
How to Hire and Retain Employees
How to Source Local Ingredients
The Work-Life Balance of Your Food Business
Sponsors
This conference is presented in partnership with the Ennovation Center, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, Kansas City Section of the Institute of Food Technology, Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, Kansas State University, Kansas State University–Olathe Campus, KCSourceLink, MCPL Culinary Center, MU Extension, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and Square One Small Business Services by MCPL.
This event is made possible in part by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
