The Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority (BEDA) is now accepting applications for The Food Truck Incubator Program

The program aims to place aspiring entrepreneurs within the region who successfully apply for and complete BEDA's Food Truck Training in a food truck for a trial period so they can test their menu and hone their skills. The goal is to mitigate the risk of a steep initial investment for aspiring food truck owners while providing training in menu compilation, sourcing local ingredients, and best business practices while completing the MyBluefield Entrepreneur's Bootcamp "Starting a Business" course.

Those who participate in the program will receive help to obtain their food handler's certification, build a business plan, obtain marketing assistance, truck operations training, customer experience training, and more. Each participant will be able to use one of two trucks the program will provide at different locations for a period of 60 days or for 10 events, to practice on food, menu, and services. (As stated above applicants that reside outside of Fayette, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming county can still apply to be a part of the full program - Food Handlers Certification, Business Training, Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp, etc. - but will not have access to the food trucks.)

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As part of the program, each applicant will be required to do the following:

• Obtain Food Handler's/Manager's Certificate of BEDA/partner's choosing 

• Assistance with Menu Compilation and potentially sourcing local food products with the help of BEDA and partners 

• Complete and graduate BEDA's online MyBluefield Entrepreneur's Bootcamp "Starting a Business" Module 

• Complete a Business Plan with the help of BEDA and partners 

• Complete BEDA Marketing Training that BEDA and partners will provide 

• Complete Customer Experience Training that BEDA and partners will provide 

• Complete Logistics Training that BEDA and partners will provide 

• Provide a valid Driver's License 

• Complete Driving Course and a drug test/screening of BEDA/partner's choosing. 

• Enter into an agreement with BEDA for the use of the food truck. 

• Show proof of working capital, to pay for any and all expenses related to the business, including but not limited to: food for events, paper and plastic products, uniforms, marketing materials, entry fees for festivals and/or events, gas/propane, etc.

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If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. Click the link below to apply to the program.