ITHACA,
N.Y., April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Cornell University's Center for
Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) invites food
innovators with early-stage ideas for value-added dairy products to
apply for the next cohort of Dairy Runway, a free
entrepreneurship program focused on initial product concept and
customer discovery.
Launched last year in partnership with the Northeast
Dairy Foods Research Center (NEDFRC), the program offers a
free, virtual curriculum, along with training in prototype
development and one-on-one business coaching.
"We're thrilled to provide this resource to New York's dairy community. Already, we've
witnessed dairy entrepreneurs launch innovative companies and make
a tangible impact in the region after completing Dairy Runway,"
said Jenn Smith, CREA's Director of
Food and Ag Startup Programs. "Dairy is foundational to our state's
economy and our rural communities, and introducing new dairy
products that respond to today's consumer preferences is key to
keeping this sector strong."
The five-week Dairy Runway course combines self-directed online
learning activities with Zoom-based class meetings and one-on-one
instructor check-ins. Virtual classes include discussions with
industry experts from creative marketing agencies to established
retailers.
Participants who complete the virtual course advance to the
program's Kitchen Incubator phase, which provides fully funded
access to Cornell's food processing
facilities and support from Cornell Food Science technical experts
to test product formulation and work toward a prototype. This
technical training is coupled with one-on-one business coaching
from a Cornell Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
"We look forward to supporting our third cohort of dairy
innovators by providing the entrepreneurship knowledge, skills and
training needed to bring a product to market successfully," said
Dr. Samuel Alcaine, director of the
NEDFRC and associate professor at Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
(CALS). "Innovation is key to a thriving dairy community, so
it's important that New York's
dairy farmers and other food entrepreneurs have the tools they need
to take their ideas from concept to reality."
Funded by the New York
State Dairy Promotion Order (NYSDPO), the program
takes participants through a process to assess their products'
desirability, viability, and feasibility before going to
market.
Since it launched last year, the Dairy Runway program has
supported two cohorts of food entrepreneurs at the early stages of
developing a variety of products. From flavored milks to savory
yogurts, the selection reflects a growing consumer interest in
novel dairy products.
Applications for the next Dairy Runway cohort close
June 5, 2024. Dairy innovators with
value-added dairy products who are located in New York or New England, and committed to
using New York-produced cow milk
in their products, are eligible to apply. Up to 10 participants
will be selected to join the program, which begins in July.
The program will host three information sessions for interested
innovators to learn more about the program's requirements and
benefits. Register for an information session.
Media Contact:
Bridget Hagen
262-227-0396
376343@email4pr.com
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SOURCE Center for Regional Economic Advancement, Cornell University