Build, Test, & Grow Your Food Business
Mandela Partners’ Entrepreneur Incubation program supports early- and growth-stage BIPOC food entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Start with one-on-one coaching to strengthen your foundation, clarify your business model, and build a strong plan. From there, you can test your products through experiential pop-ups, farmers market sales channels, and our incubator kitchen at E14th Eatery + Kitchen.
This program is free of cost and designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to show up, stay committed, and grow!
Tee N Dee Ice Cream
How It Works
Our program is designed as a step-by-step pathway. You don’t have to do everything at once — you grow into each stage with support.
01
Start with Coaching
Begin with a one-on-one conversation to clarify your goals, assess where your business stands, and identify your next best steps.
02
Build Your Foundation
Work alongside our team to strengthen pricing, permits and compliance, branding, financial systems, and day-to-day operations, so your business is built to last!
03
Test in Real Markets
When you’re ready, apply what you’ve built by selling through East Bay and San Francisco farmers' markets and other formal sales channels.
04
Grow and Stabilize
Expand your sales channels, refine your systems, and build toward your short- and long-term business goals with continued guidance.
Ready to set clear goals, stay consistent, and grow with accountability? This program could be a strong next step!
Business Pictured at Left: Chef Sarah Germany
Where You’ll Grow Your Business
As you strengthen your foundation through coaching, you may have opportunities to test and grow your business through the following sales channels.
Farmers Market Partnerships
Access established sales channels through Foodwise at SF Ferry Building, Urban Village’s Old Oakland Market, and AIM (Hayward) Agricultural Institute of Marin’s Hayward Farmers Market. These opportunities help you build customer loyalty, refine pricing strategies, and pilot consistent revenue streams.
Business Pictured Above: Tutuli Mexican Bakery
Oakland Roots &
Soul SC
Through partnerships with Oakland Roots SC and Oakland Soul SC, entrepreneurs in our programs can vend at home games—building visibility with thousands of fans while gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-volume event setting that supports growth, confidence, and community connection for emerging brands.
Business Pictured Above: MangoSay
Mini
Markets
A summer event hosted in partnership with Hayward Area Recreational Department. Mini Market is designed to be a supportive space for growth-stage entrepreneurs to test products, build visibility, and generate revenue in a community-centered setting. The market uplifts local produce & BIPOC owned businesses offering culturally relevant food to our communities.
Business Pictured Above: KIS Juice
E14th Eatery +
Kitchen
E14th Eatery + Kitchen is a food hall, community kitchen, and incubation space where entrepreneurs can produce, experiment, refine operations, and expand their customer base.
Businesses Pictured Above: Baby Bean Pie, YOYO Treats
Who We Support
Our Incubation Program is built for early- and growth-stage food entrepreneurs in the East Bay — especially BIPOC and women entrepreneurs.
From shaping your idea to selling locally, we provide coaching, hands-on learning, and real market opportunities, helping you grow with confidence.
Program Calendar
See upcoming dates for Mini Markets, Farmers Market vendors, and coaching intake cycles — find the opportunities that fit your journey. Use the category dropdown to filter events and scroll through the calendar to explore upcoming dates.
Upcoming Events
Start Your Coaching
Coaching is the first step in our Incubation Program. Complete the form, and our team will reach out to schedule your intake conversation. We’ll work with you to clarify your goals and map your next steps!