Who Should Apply?
Kansas-based food and farm businesses that are actively working to start, grow, or scale a product-based venture — whether you’re refining a concept, preparing for retail or wholesale, or navigating expansion decisions to take your business to the next level. The Summit is best suited for businesses ready to dedicate focused time to planning and problem-solving.
The Application for 2026 is closed. Information for 2027 will be posted early spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Space is limited, and we aim to convene a diverse mix of food business types, stages, and regions to maximize peer learning. The application also helps us ensure the Summit is a strong fit for where your business is right now, so participants — and the cohort as a whole — gain the greatest value.
Business teams (up to three people) get more out of the Summit experience. Teammates can brainstorm together during working sessions, divide and conquer during expert consultations, and capture notes and next steps — helping ensure you leave with shared clarity and momentum. Regardless of team size the fee to register is $300; why not bring a colleague, friend or family member?
Yes, our professional development scholarship is funded through a grant from the Patterson Family Foundation. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to Kansas food and farm-based businesses to participate in educational and/or professional development opportunities that will improve their enterprises. Requests for financial assistance should be for training that are not already provided by the K-State Extension, Community Food Systems Team. If eligible, this opportunity can be used for the Food Business Start-Up Summit.