4 Access Partners
Our Story
Our Vision
We envision a thriving, economically sustainable food system that not only fuels business growth but also strengthens entire communities. At 4AccessPartners, we believe potential is everywhere—but opportunity is not. That’s why we’re committed to building a bigger table where under-resourced entrepreneurs gain access to the expertise, training, capital, and scale opportunities they need to succeed.
Through our consortium of world-class food companies, corporate volunteers bring decades of experience in engineering, food science, marketing, finance, and operations. These volunteers walk alongside promising entrepreneurs—sharing knowledge, offering training, connecting them with financial institutions, and helping them bridge the manufacturing scale gap. Together, they transform individual businesses and create ripple effects of growth across local communities.
Our founders, retired General Mills executives Peter Erickson and John Mendesh, pioneered the Intellectual Philanthropy model through Partners in Food Solutions—linking companies like General Mills, Cargill, and Bühler with food businesses across Africa to improve food security, nutrition, and economic development. With 4AccessPartners, they are building on 15 years of proven success, bringing this model home to empower women and BIPOC entrepreneurs across the United States.
Just as in Africa, leading companies are already joining us in this effort—committed to creating a stronger, more inclusive food ecosystem and ensuring more seats at the table for all.
What is Knowledge Philanthropy?
Intellectual philanthropy, or Knowledge Philanthropy, became the organizing principle of Partners in Food Solutions and another step forward in corporate social responsibility for General Mills, where approximately 80% of the employees have contributed their time in the service of local charitable institutions, in addition to the company’s considerable financial donations.
From the beginning, volunteers have worked remotely from anywhere in the world, collaborating with local African food businesses on specific, time-bound projects driven by their most pressing needs or challenges, whether developing new products, improving production efficiencies, or ensuring food safety.
These experts devote 1 or 2 hours each week to participate in calls, review blueprints and flow charts, and share their knowledge.
Our Partners
At 4AccessPartners, we believe everyone deserves a seat at the table—and our partners help make that possible. Corporate partners and their employees volunteer their time, talent, and resources to ensure women and BIPOC entrepreneurs can thrive in the food and agriculture industry. In return, these partners gain far more than goodwill. Companies tap into a diverse talent base, while employees and retirees experience a unique, fulfilling opportunity for professional growth and leadership.
Scale partners benefit from early access to fast-growing, high-potential businesses eager to refine their operations. Financial institutions gain confidence in supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs, knowing their investments are “de-risked” by the guidance of seasoned food industry experts. Together, these collaborations create a win-win: stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a bigger table where opportunity and innovation flourish.
4AccessPartners welcomes new corporate, scale, and capital partners to join us in this mission. If you’re interested in learning more (or becoming a partner) we’d love to start the conversation.