Food Business Entrepreneurship
The Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute (HCTI) at Frederick Community College (FCC) proudly presents the Food Business Entrepreneurship & Pitch Competition, an FCC, City of Frederick, MD, and Frederick County, MD, Partnership Program.
Program Information
The Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute (HCTI) at Frederick Community College, in partnership with the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and the Frederick County Office of Agriculture, proudly presents the Food Business Entrepreneurship & Pitch Competition.
This expert-led program delivers foundation-level concepts and knowledge in entrepreneurship and food service management. Topics include financial management, front and back of house operations, marketing and sales, regulatory requirements, and kitchen skills. You will develop the skills needed to plan for, start, and operate a food service business while preparing for the ServSafe Food Manager exam and the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification.
The program culminates in an exciting pitch competition where you can showcase your new business concepts to local industry and financial community partners, with opportunities to win monetary awards and customized mentorships with professionals in the field.
There is no charge to participate. This program is sponsored by the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and the Frederick County Office of Agriculture. Priority consideration is given to individuals residing in Frederick County, Maryland. Enrollment is limited.
This limited-enrollment program gives priority consideration to individuals residing in Frederick County, Maryland.
FCC Completion Awards
Earn an FCC Completion Award for each course completed, recognizing your growing skills and commitment to the field.
ServSafe Food Manager® Certification
Upon successful completion, you are eligible to sit for the ServSafe Food Manager® Certification Exam, an industry-recognized credential valued by employers across the hospitality industry.
Academic Credit Conversion
The ServSafe ServSafe Food Manager® Certification is eligible for academic credit conversion.
Food Business Entrepreneurship Digital Credential
Digital credentials serve as verification of your knowledge, skills, capabilities, and accomplishments. Displaying and sharing your digital credentials provides a more complete picture of your achievements and can be easily recognized and verified by employers, associations, and professional organizations.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification
Offered through Certiport, Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification validates your foundational knowledge in entrepreneurship and small business ownership, including business planning, financial management, and marketing
The Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute (HCTI) at Frederick Community College is accredited by The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) Accrediting Commission. FCC has demonstrated compliance with ACFEF-accredited standards for Program Eligibility, Program Mission and Goals, Organization and Administration, Faculty and Staff, Curriculum, Facilities, Student Services, and Program Assessment.
The ACFEF Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and is committed to developing and monitoring globally recognized certifications based on skills, knowledge, integrity, and equality.
- Length: Eight weeks
- Timing: One meeting per week
- Format: In-person participation required
- Location: The Monroe Center - 200 Monroe Avenue, Frederick, MD.
Express Your Interest
Join us this fall on Wednesdays, from September 2 through October 28, 2026!
Complete the Program Interest Form
At a Glance
This program is offered at no cost to participants, sponsored by the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and the Frederick County Office of Agriculture. Awards and scholarships are offered through the pitch competition and may vary by cohort. Participants are prepared to sit for the ServSafe Food Manager certification and the Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification exams; certification is contingent upon passing the respective exams.
Career Opportunities
Food Business Entrepreneurship is your opportunity to build a business foundation, earning industry credentials, and take the next step.
Your Business, Your Vision
The program culminates in a pitch competition where you present your business concept to local industry and financial community partners, the same people who have built and invested in Frederick's food and business community. Whether your dream is a food truck, a catering operation, a pop-up concept, or a brick-and-mortar restaurant, this is your chance to put your idea in front of the people who can help you make it real.
Complete the Program Interest Form
Starting Your Food Business
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a step-by-step guide to planning, launching, and growing a small business. From writing a business plan and choosing a business structure to registering your business and securing funding, the SBA provides the tools and resources you need to move from idea to open for business.
SBA Guide to Starting a Business
Local Business Support in Frederick
The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and the Frederick County Office of Agriculture support entrepreneurs and small business owners with resources, connections, and programs designed to help businesses launch and grow in Frederick County. As co-sponsors of this program, both organizations are committed to building a thriving local food business community.
City of Frederick Economic Development Frederick County Office of Agriculture
Contact Us
Elizabeth DeRose
Director, Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute
[email protected]
301.846.2404
Ysabell Lopez-Alvarez
Academic Office Manager
[email protected]
240.629.7912
Registration Office
Continuing Education & Workforce Development
[email protected]
301.624.2888
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