The Food Business Accelerator by CitySeed and Collab is a statewide accelerator for Connecticut early-stage food entrepreneurs.
The aim of the Food Business Accelerator is to remove barriers to food entrepreneurship across the state of Connecticut through training, network-building, and access to resources. In the end, the goal is to create economic opportunity for all, increase leadership by people of color and immigrant food entrepreneurs, and strengthen our local food system by linking rising food entrepreneurs and farmers.
Earlier this Fall, we released the Food Business Accelerator. We received 60 applications from over 100 entrepreneurs. After a review process, 9 ventures were selected for this cohort of the Food Business Accelerator.
And now, we’re proud to introduce you to the 9 ventures in the Food Business Accelerator 2020 cohort:
Flayvers
Founder: Charlotte Reed
Flayvers is a soul food business delivering the best BBQ ribs, steak, friend chicken, and fish based in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Khadija’s Sweets
Founder: Khadija Alahmad
Khadija’s Sweets is a catering business focusing on the special dishes and techniques of Syrian food from Aleppo.
Ms. G’s Tastys
Founder: Gwendolyn Robinson
Ms. G’s Tastys is a food truck delivering vegetarian and vegan food — with a special focus on delicious burgers.
Oh Shito!
Founder: Kwame Asare, Sonique Mary, Gifty Otoo
Oh Shito! introduces the bold, beautiful flavors of Ghana through a savory hot sauce featuring the dynamic spiciness of scotch bonnet pepper, along with simple spices and vegetables that will enhance any meal.
Qi Foods
Founder: Tiffany Leong
Qi Foods aims to bring Chinese superfoods to the mainstream Western market starting with a ready to drink beverage line.
Razzi’s Eats and Treats
Founder: Shayne Miller, Madelaine Fargeorge, Edgar Miller, Karla Miller, Shannon Miller
A food truck with catering services providing fusions of American soul food & Caribbean cuisine.
Sherahmad Meerahmad Food Delivery
Founder: Sherahmad Meerahmad, Latifa Mohammad
A gourmet food delivery service delivering Afghan, Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Central Asian cuisine — including BBQ and kebab.
Wala
Founder: Rahina Nabali
Wala will share Ghanaian cuisine and culture with New Haven through street food and catering.
Woozy Wings
Founder: Secrett Hampton, Nykia Hampton, Antoine Gary
Woozy Wings is a food truck providing a unique, delicious, liquor-based barbecue sauce line.