4 Access Partners

Who We Serve

4 Access Partners was created to connect our partners with the entrepreneurs who are most in need of advice and industry expertise. We believe that any industry stands to benefit from increased diversity, and that every hard working entrepreneur deserves access to information that will help them succeed in business. We focus on raising up underrepresented and underestimated members of local food ecosystems, with a focus on woman- and/or BIPOC-led companies. Our goal is to provide these underserved entrepreneurs with the resources they need to take their businesses to the next level. To date, we have engaged over 50 clients, all of whom have been referred to us by community leaders and groups.

Why We Serve

In recent years, small, high-growth food companies have been launching new and innovative food products at an incredible pace, often outpacing large multi-national food brands. These exciting changes have been fueled by strong funding and support from venture capital firms and strategic investors, usually benefiting well-connected and experienced food entrepreneurs.

However, the number of women and BIPOC-led food start-ups have been far fewer than their more advantaged counterparts. They often have limited access to essential resources, industry networks, and funding that make it possible to bring a new product to market. At 4 Access Partners, our mission is to level the playing field by connecting underrepresented food entrepreneurs with seasoned food industry experts, providing guidance and practical experience to help them grow and scale their businesses.

Our Proven Model

Using our proven Intellectual Philanthropy model, we help clients take their products from the kitchen all the way to the supermarket shelf and into the hands of consumers. Central to this model is the exchange of information between employees from some of the country’s finest food companies and local entrepreneurs. Volunteers offer their expertise to help clients identify their most pressing needs and overcome obstacles on the path to growing their business. Our volunteers and partners also offer structured training, access to capital, and opportunities to scale by improving the manufacturing process. When volunteers leverage their connections and expertise to support our cause, entrepreneurs succeed.

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Scale

Defining Success

We have created a multi-stage system that allows us to meet our clients where they are at and stick beside them as they grow, all the way through their graduation from our program. Many 4AP Entrepreneurs begin at our Bronze level and progress all the way through the Platinum level, at which point they “graduate” from their partnership with 4 Access Partners. Others may achieve their goals and dreams by becoming a sustainable business at Silver or Gold. Entrepreneurs who receive support from 4AP are equipped with the knowledge and acumen needed to continue managing and growing their business.

We only succeed if our clients succeed. Our volunteers are invested in the success of the entrepreneurs with whom they have built lasting positive relationships. Partners and volunteers are also dedicated to an overall improvement of local food ecosystems, which only happens when volunteers, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and job seekers come together in a meaningful way.

If you are an entrepreneur interested in our program, we’d love to learn more about your business. Organizations and individuals who are interested in partnering with 4 Access Partners can also contact us to discuss potential volunteer opportunities.