CT food startups have a lot on their plates, but relief is on the way

Entrepreneurs need a strong marketing strategy to generate steady demand for their goods. They need access to large-scale production facilities (known in industry parlance as co-manufacturers or co-packers) to meet that higher level of demand. And they need cash to pay for it all.

If they’re weak on one element — marketing, production or financing — the business could collapse.

A growing network of nonprofit organizations, small business consultancies and leaders from larger food businesses in Connecticut is trying to help startups overcome these hurdles. 

“It takes money to make money,” he said. “And getting some of that follow-on funding can also be a big hurdle.”

Brown of Breakfast Belle has sought funding and support from as many sources as she could find — the Women’s Business Development Council, the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Small Business Boost Fund and several other community financial institutions and grant programs. She’s also made award-winning pitches at several competitions, including the 2022 CT Food Launchpad event and, more recently, an event for female founders at coworking space HAYVN in Darien.