The Food Finance Institute provides finance-forward expertise in food, beverage, and value-added agriculture for organizations and agencies nationwide.
Our Areas of Expertise
FFI’s expertise is grounded in the financial, operational, and strategic drivers of success for food-based enterprises across the value chain. We bring deep knowledge of the unique dynamics shaping businesses in value-added agriculture, consumer packaged goods (CPG), beverage, food hubs, food manufacturing, food systems nonprofits, and food-focused technology.
Financial Management & Analysis
We have advanced expertise in the financial structures and realities of food businesses, including cost of goods sold, pricing strategy, margin optimization, cash flow dynamics, and unit economics. Our work reflects a strong command of how businesses achieve profitability and maintain financial health over time.
Financial Planning & Capital Strategy
We are deeply versed in forward-looking financial planning, including financial projections, scenario analysis, and capital planning. We understand how businesses align growth strategies with appropriate financing structures and navigate the expectations of lenders, investors, and grantmakers.
Business Model Viability & Profitability
Our expertise includes evaluating and strengthening business models to ensure long-term sustainability. We understand how operational decisions, pricing, market positioning, and cost structures interact to influence profitability and resilience.
Entrepreneurial Decision-Making
We bring insight into how business owners make critical decisions at different stages of growth—from startup through expansion. This includes assessing risk, prioritizing investments, and adapting strategies in response to changing market conditions.
Food System Dynamics
We have deep knowledge of the structural, economic, and market forces shaping regional and national food systems. This includes supply chain complexity, production constraints, distribution challenges, and the interplay between mission-driven and profit-driven enterprises.
Capital Access Landscape
We understand the full spectrum of capital available to food businesses—from debt and equity to grants and hybrid models—as well as the barriers many enterprises face in accessing funding. Our expertise includes what makes businesses “capital ready” and how financial narratives are evaluated.
Applied Business Education
We have subject matter expertise in core business concepts as they apply specifically to food enterprises, including financial literacy, operations, and growth strategy, with a strong emphasis on practical application and real-world relevance.
Who We Work With
- Nonprofit Organizations & Food System Intermediaries
- Business Support Organizations & Entrepreneur Ecosystem Builders
- Foundations & Philanthropic Initiatives
- Lenders & Financial Institutions
- Industry & Trade Groups
- Higher Education & Extension Programs
How We Help Organizations
FFI provides expert training, technical assistance, and support that builds lasting capacity across your network. FFI can help:
- Provide customized training programs for members or cohorts on financial literacy, capital readiness, and business growth strategies
- Deliver hands-on technical assistance to help food and farm entrepreneurs apply financial concepts directly to their operations
- Offer public speaking and workshops at conferences, events, and convenings to elevate finance-forward thinking in the food and farm sector
- Train and upskill consultants, advisors, and service providers to better support food and agriculture businesses
- Develop curriculum, tools, and resources tailored to your organization’s audience and mission
- Support program design and implementation for initiatives focused on business viability, access to capital, and long-term sustainability
- Serve as a thought partner to advance food and farm finance programs
Participants say…
“FFI was so incredibly helpful to me during the planning stage of my entrepreneurial journey. With their guidance, I was able to see detailed financial projections and ultimately secure funding to purchase my business!”
— Mary Florer, Over the Moon Cheese
Contact Us for Assistance
We’d love to learn about your mission and discuss how the Food Finance Institute can help. Just complete this form and we’ll reach out to you!