We are business consultants specializing in food system planning and sustainable food business development.
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The Hatchery

Chicago, IL

In partnership with IFF, Allies for Community Business (formerly Accion) and the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago, New Venture Advisors assessed the market demand for a large, innovative food business incubator to be developed in East Garfield Park and serve as a job creator in this lower income neighborhood. Opening in late 2018, the incubator combines private production kitchens, a shared-use kitchen and comprehensive business support services, filling a much needed gap for food entrepreneurs in Chicago  Learn more about food business incubator consulting services >>

Kōkua Kalihi Valley Strategic Plan

Honolulu, HI

Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services (KKV) is a community health center created in 1972 to meet the local region’s need for proper health care. KKV’s mission is to “work toward healing, reconciliation and the alleviation of suffering in Kalihi Valley through strong relationships that honor culture and foster health and harmony.” The ROOTS Program of KKV supports this mission with a variety of programs that provide direct assistance, training, education, and connection through growing, preparing, and sharing food as a community. New Venture Advisors developed a strategic plan to clarify the operating structure and financial performance of the programs and enterprises within the ROOTS Program today and to provide a roadmap for the future. Learn more about our strategic consulting services >>

Whatcom Local Food Campus

Bellingham, WA

The Whatcom Community Foundation invests in activities and organizations that improve the ability of people to help themselves, increase connections among people, and take cooperative approaches to community issues. WCF is exploring the development of a local food campus on a waterfront property that would become a multi-tenant site, anchored by a collaborative production kitchen benefitting food access, school system, and community organizations. The goal is strengthening Whatcom County’s local food system by promoting health equity, forging tangible strategic connections between food production organizations, and helping farmers connect with institutional markets. The facility will also feature an incubation kitchen, demonstration kitchen, event and classroom space, collaborative office and conference facilities, and housing.  NVA developed the business case for this ambitious project and continues to support its development through engagement and operational development. Learn more about our community food center consulting services >>

Our Services

New Venture Advisors designed a multi-stage process to uncover the needs of our clients and opportunities within their markets, and help them develop solutions through new food ventures. We conduct Food System Assessments, lead Feasibility Studies, develop Business Plans and help businesses grow through customized consulting. Learn More

Our Expertise

New Venture Advisors has led more than 100 projects across the country in food systems and food enterprise development. In doing so, we’ve gained expertise in designing customized models of local food hubs and distribution systems, food business incubators, food processing operations, food enterprises focused on health access and equity, and small grains ventures, to name a few. Learn More

About Us

Our team brings a multi-faceted perspective to the sustainable food industry. We combine sharp business acumen with real-world entrepreneurial experience and a passion for impact to help our clients build businesses that are socially and economically sustainable.
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Case History: The Mill Street Market

Case History: The Mill Street Market

Mar 20, 2025

Based in Hastings, Michigan, Barry Community Foundation bridges community needs with donor interests, granting dollars to programs, projects and organizations that align with its vision to be a trusted resource for positive change in Barry County, leveraging assets in...

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Case History: Kent County Food System Plan

Case History: Kent County Food System Plan

Mar 20, 2025

Throughout 2023 and 2024, the food system planning team at New Venture Advisors had the privilege of collaborating with the Kent County Food Policy Council in a comprehensive planning process to advance the food system in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan region....

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The Port of Seattle thoroughly enjoyed working with the New Venture Advisors team! The NVA team members were highly professional and proficient. Not only were they excellent researchers, they also had the soft skills to exemplify thoughtful community engagement approaches with diverse language communities as part of their research. They were intentional to work with our local community-based organizations to build trust first, which aided in the success of our feasibility study.

 

Annie Tran

Economic Development Manager, Port of Seattle

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 Whatcom County Food System Plan

In 2021, the Whatcom County Food System Committee conducted a community food assessment that pointed to key opportunities to build a more robust and resilient regional food system. New Venture Advisors partnered with Whatcom County staff and the Food System Committee to draft a Whatcom County Food System Plan that builds upon these findings. This Plan focuses on five key goals for building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system, and was informed by an inclusive community engagement process. The Food System Plan will provide the county with a policy roadmap that will strengthen the local food system for years to come. (2023)

 Whatcom Local Food Campus

The Whatcom Community Foundation invests in activities and organizations that improve the ability of people to help themselves, increase connections among people, and take cooperative approaches to community issues. WCF is exploring the development of a local food campus on a waterfront property that would become a multi-tenant site, anchored by a collaborative production kitchen benefitting food access, school system, and community organizations. The goal is strengthening Whatcom County’s local food system by promoting health equity, forging tangible strategic connections between food production organizations, and helping farmers connect with institutional markets. The facility will also feature an incubation kitchen, demonstration kitchen, event and classroom space, collaborative office and conference facilities, and housing.  New Venture Advisors developed the business case for this ambitious project and continues to support its development through engagement and operational development. (2023)