The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) project and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Division of Commerce will be hosting a Food Truck Boot Camp in Cherokee, NC. This comprehensive training event, scheduled for March 10-13, 2025, is designed to provide aspiring food truck owners and entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills needed to successfully start and grow their food truck business.

EMFS brings together producers, food businesses, schools, and regional partners to increase business opportunities for food and farm businesses in a 14-county region of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. EMFS works to expand the local food economy in Western North Carolina by focusing on entrepreneurship, business development, job creation, workforce development, and growing community leadership for lasting change.

The Food Truck Boot Camp will cover many different aspects of launching and operating a food truck, from menu design with chefs to marketing strategies, financial planning, and compliance. Participants will receive valuable hands-on experience through one-on-one consultations with experts, including private coaching sessions, food truck inspections, and specialized guidance on recipe development, accounting, and business planning. Key topics will include:

• Menu design and recipe development with chefs
• Marketing, public relations, and branding
• Financial planning and funding options
• Business planning and enterprise budget review
• Food truck design for efficiency and fire safety
• Regulatory compliance and food safety

This event is a collaboration with the Street Food Institute, an Albuquerque-based nonprofit that provides training, resources, and mentorship for food entrepreneurs. The Street Food Institute has a strong track record of empowering food truck businesses and helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining their own mobile food enterprises.

Space is limited, and interested participants are encouraged to register soon at bit.ly/2025-ft-bootcamp. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the essential tools and knowledge to launch your food truck business with confidence. Please call Laura Lauffer at the EBCI NC Cooperative Extension office at 828-359-6936 with any questions.