‘Rooted’ will highlight the elements of a sustainable circular food system and help attendees recognize their own place within that food system. Break-out Groups Attendees will work in groups to conduct S.W.O.T. analyses for the various components of our local food system. This exercise will then help inform the visioning for the roles that the […]
This opening session grounds participants in the realities of food entrepreneurship by exploring the entrepreneurial mindset, lifestyle considerations, and personal definitions of success. Participants assess their readiness for the demands of the food industry while clarifying their goals and motivations. Through practical, on-the-ground market research, they examine the problems they aim to solve, study competitors, […]
Participants explore common food business models and sales channels while evaluating what best fits their lifestyle, income goals, and production capacity. The session covers operational constraints, licensing and insurance requirements, and key marketing fundamentals.
This session focuses on making a food business official, from choosing an entity and securing insurance to pricing products, building systems, and communicating value. Participants learn how to grow intentionally while managing cash flow and customer engagement.
The final session highlights practical lessons for running a sustainable food business, emphasizing compliance, consistency, experimentation, and adaptation. Participants learn to track performance, spend strategically, and plan for long-term success.
In collaboration with Ellsworth Adult Education and the Ellsworth Pubic Library, URCI is hosting Bring Your Device to Lunch on March 12 at Noon. The sessions are designed to provide a fun and relaxed educational experience where you can bring cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. and get hands-on advice and instruction on how to do […]
Building on Our Progress This workshop continues the work undertaken together over the past year to strengthen the regional food system in Hancock and Washington Counties. Our upcoming session builds directly on the findings and priorities identified during several key community engagement processes: DFSP shared that Jon Ramsay, Executive Director at the Center for an […]
Visit the Ellsworth Farmers' Market today and every Saturday through November 21st at URCI. In addition to the many returning vendors, the additional space at the Center will allow the market to expand. Come and see old friends and new as the EFM settles into its new home!
Visit the Ellsworth Farmers' Market today and every Saturday through November 21st at URCI. In addition to the many returning vendors, the additional space at the Center will allow the market to expand. Come and see old friends and new as the EFM settles into its new home!
SAVE THE DATE! The Maine Youth Entrepreneurs Market is coming to Ellsworth! Nearly 50 children participate in this market throughout the summer. For 2026, they are kicking off their season with this Ellsworth market and will then conduct markets in Bar Harbor, Little Dear Isle, Brooklin, and Castine. Details on the exact location and time […]