Small Business Mixer: Food & Beverage Edition

Calling all chefs, bakers, food truck owners, and restaurant dreamers! Join SBOSS for our Small Business Mixer: Food & Beverage Edition on Tuesday, April 16 from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Kress Building. This month’s mixer, "Breaking Bread & Breaking Barriers," brings together Montgomery’s food entrepreneurs for an inspiring panel discussion, open networking, and real talk about what it takes to thrive in the industry. Panelists include Chef Shawn Nelson (ISpeakFood), Fedelia Coleman (Cakeology), and Councilman Andrew Szymanski (Hilltop Public House)

Who Should Attend: Food entrepreneurs in Montgomery including personal chefs, bakers, caterers, restaurant owners, food truck operators, pop-up vendors, and aspiring business owners in the food & beverage industry.

Event Purpose

To spotlight the unique experiences of local food and beverage entrepreneurs in Montgomery while creating an open space to address the policies, systems, and support that impact their ability to grow and succeed. This mixer aims to uplift real voices, break down barriers, and build stronger support networks for businesses in the food ecosystem.

Event Objectives

• Elevate Entrepreneur Voices: Center real stories and lived experiences from local chefs, bakers, and food business owners.
• Demystify City Policies: Identify and unpack confusing or unclear policies and practices affecting food business operations in Montgomery.
• Explore Access to Capital: Discuss real-world funding challenges and connect attendees to financial resources and grant opportunities.
• Clarify Food Kitchen & Licensing Pathways: Address the complexities around shared kitchen access, food handling certifications, and business licensing.
• Strengthen Community & Ecosystem Ties: Foster connections between food entrepreneurs, city departments, technical assistance providers, and resource partners.