Feasibility Study
A Feasibility Study is the most important step in new venture development. It reduces startup risk by testing the viability of the business concept before significant resources are committed.
If the Food Systems Assessment phase of work uncovers an opportunity for a new food hub or related business to address a need within the food landscape, we then conduct an extensive Feasibility Study to further shape the business model and test its viability. This step includes interviewing and surveying all relevant players across the local food supply chain, assessing existing local infrastructure, and evaluating potential operating models and ownership structures.
In a for-profit context, the viability of the Feasibility Study is driven by financial models that analyze the potential for the business to earn a satisfactory profit for owners and investors based on a set of reasonable assumptions.
In a nonprofit context, the viability is defined by the client team, and might include the potential of the venture to:
- increase local produce supply in the market
- convert commodity crop acreage to specialty crop acreage
- improve health indicators as a result of increased access to fresh produce
- have positive rural and urban economic impact
- be financially self-sustaining in the long-term
The specific assumptions behind these factors are derived from primary and secondary research, often making use of available data from analogous operations.
About Us
New Venture Advisors is a team of business consultants specializing in local food system planning and new enterprise development.
Feasibility Study Projects
Learn how we have helped our clients with Feasibility Studies below.
Home Sharing Program Feasibility Study
Kalamazoo, MI
The City of Kalamazoo is investigating a Home Sharing program in Kalamazoo. Home Sharing creates households where two or more unrelated people share a home, creating a mutually beneficial living arrangement that can include keeping people in their existing homes, increasing the number of affordable housing units available, and creating community and companionship, including potential connections across generations and cultures. NVA will design and implement a feasibility study of a potential Home Sharing program to validate the model before the city decides whether or not to prioritize Home Sharing in its jurisdiction. (2026)
Benton Harbon Farmers Market Hub Feasibility Study
St. Joseph, MI
Rooted in a historic agricultural marketplace in Michigan’s Fruit Belt, the Benton Harbor Farmers Market Hub Feasibility Study is exploring how a year‑round, community‑focused farm hub could strengthen local food systems and connections. New Venture Advisors (NVA) is supporting United Way of Southwest Michigan and its partners in developing a plan that could expand direct‑to‑consumer opportunities and new market channels for small and mid‑sized farms, while integrating food security programs and workforce development pathways. Through this process, NVA is helping to envision how a legacy site could become a dynamic regional farm hub. (2026)
F3Local Aggregation, Small-Scale Process, and Food Hub Feasibility Study
Fresno, CA
New Venture Advisors is partnering with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources to conduct a feasibility study of food aggregation, small-scale processing, and food hub development across California’s F3Local region. NVA is assessing existing assets, organizations, and infrastructure through extensive local engagement to identify equitable, viable approaches for strengthening regional food systems and expanding market opportunities for small farmers. (2026)
Alachua County Fresh Food Pathways Project
Gainesville, FL
In Florida, Alachua County’s Fresh Food Pathways initiative is laying the foundation for a regional food hub that strengthens local food systems and expands opportunities for area farms. New Venture Advisors led a comprehensive feasibility study and agricultural assessment aligning design with local production capacity and market demand. The team collaborated with community leaders to ensure inclusive engagement across diverse stakeholders. NVA is partnering with Alachua County to pilot a program that tests key concepts for a future aggregation and distribution network. (2026)
Kane County Soil Assessment Health Impact & Economic Assessment
Geneva, IL
New Venture Advisors is partnering with Kane County and the Delta Institute to build the business case for soil health and sustainable farming. By combining soil sampling with financial analysis, NVA will evaluate the economic and ecological benefits of cover cropping and no-till practices. The study also examined improvements in water quality, nutrition, and farm resilience. Findings will help inform local programs and policies that support conservation-minded producers. (2026)
Traders Hill Farm Agricultural Complex
Hilliard, FL
In the border region of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, Traders Hill Farm envisioned a regional agricultural complex to strengthen the food economy and connect small producers. New Venture Advisors designed a multi-phase campus model integrating growing, processing, storage, distribution, and retail access within a coordinated network. The feasibility study evaluated market potential, financial viability, and phased development strategies to support long-term success. NVA also facilitated collaboration among food access, distribution, and food security organizations to explore models that serve both emergency response and traditional food supply systems. (2025)
Medicaid Medically Tailored Meals Feasibility Study
Lansing, MI
To integrate food and nutrition services into healthcare, Michigan is expanding its Medicaid “In Lieu of Other Services” (ILOS) program. New Venture Advisors supported the Food Bank Council of Michigan by assessing the feasibility of statewide meal production using the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan’s Lansing facility. The team created program structures and pilot-to-scale rollout models supported by innovative financial analysis. This work helps position food banks and community organizations to deliver health-aligned meal services sustainably. (2025)
Food As Medicine Landscape Analysis
Olathe, KS
New Venture Advisors conducted a national and regional landscape analysis to support the Food as Medicine and Community Health Initiative at Kansas State University Olathe. NVA assessed research, programs, partnerships, and funding across academic, industry, and public sectors, identifying opportunities for K-State to lead and collaborate in transdisciplinary work linking food systems, health, and community impact. (2025)
Evanston Grows
Evanston, IL
In Evanston, Illinois, a coalition of partners is working to bring a Community Food Center to life. New Venture Advisors helped Evanston Grows refine the concept and develop a roadmap for facility design, partnerships, and implementation. The proposed center will include shared aggregation and distribution space, a professional kitchen, and health and education areas serving historically underserved neighborhoods. The team also prepared a due diligence plan to guide funding identification and feasibility steps for launch. (2024)
Oneida County Dairy Processing Study
Rome, NY
Strengthening New York’s dairy sector required a detailed look at local processing capacity and market opportunity. New Venture Advisors partnered with Mohawk Valley EDGE to evaluate feasibility for a new dairy processing facility serving producers and cooperatives in Oneida County. The assessment identified value chain gaps and optimal facility locations while highlighting innovative technologies and operational models. NVA’s recommendations support modernization, efficiency, and long-term resilience in the regional dairy industry. (2025)
Muskegon Food Club
Muskegon, MI
A multi-sector collaborative convened by Access Health, a nonprofit in Muskegon County, sought to assess the unique Michigan Food club model’s potential application in Muskegon. The model restores dignity and choice in addressing food insecurity. New Venture Advisors conducted a feasibility study for the proposed member-based Muskegon County Food Club, which allows residents to shop affordably in a traditional setting while promoting healthy selections. The team analyzed business models, financial feasibility, and site options using data from existing Food Clubs across the state. NVA also incorporated food reclamation and rescue strategies to enhance both community impact and long-term sustainability. (2025)
Small Business Incubator Feasibility Study
East Providence, RI
In East Providence, city leaders wanted to explore how to transform the former Oldham Elementary School into a vibrant multi-use incubator. New Venture Advisors conducted a feasibility study to design a space that fosters entrepreneurship across the blue economy, small business, and the arts. The project integrated community needs, workforce opportunities, and housing access into its planning. NVA also partnered with the City to identify development partners and host listening sessions to guide an inclusive and locally grounded vision. (2025) Download report and business plan.
Renew Moline Community Food Center
Moline, IL
Transforming a historic downtown building into a lively public market and food business hub, the City of Moline is reimagining its riverfront district. New Venture Advisors conducted a feasibility study, with Renew Moline, and refined the concept through extensive community feedback. The envisioned space includes a retail food hall, shared kitchen, incubator, community gathering areas, and offices to support entrepreneurs. The team developed a comprehensive redevelopment strategy, identified key partners and tenants, and structured the model to align with local goals for cultural and economic growth. (2024) Download report here.
Prison Farm to Institution Feasibility Study
Norton, KS
At the Norton Correctional Facility in Kansas, a 10-acre farm already producing tens of thousands of pounds of food each year is becoming a model for farm-to-institution innovation. New Venture Advisors partnered with the Norton Regional Health Foundation to design a program that expands production to serve hospitals, schools, and workforce development. The team created operational models and facility designs tailored to the unique context of a state medium-security prison. NVA also adapted engagement tools to include input from inmates and staff, ensuring alignment with rehabilitation and training goals. (2025)
Mountain Roots Community Kitchen Evaluation & Design
Gunnison, CO
In Colorado’s Gunnison Valley, Mountain Roots Food Project is developing a new facility that brings education, entrepreneurship, and local food access under one roof. New Venture Advisors worked with the organization to refocus its vision and plan a community kitchen and food hub aligned with its mission. The proposed facility includes a teaching kitchen, aggregation and distribution space, and small-batch production areas. The team cataloged existing assets and capacities to ensure the design and programs support Mountain Roots’ long-term goals. (2025)
Wisconsin Food Banks Grocery Card Study
Milwaukee, WI
Two leading Wisconsin food banks are innovating new ways to improve accessibility and choice for rural residents. New Venture Advisors partnered with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin to design a payment system that enables neighbors to purchase fresh food directly from local grocers and retailers. Funded by the Alliant Energy Foundation, the pilot spans 35 counties with potential to expand statewide. NVA identified emerging technologies, developed partnerships, and created evaluation metrics to guide implementation and scale the program’s impact. (2025)
Food Network Project Feasibility Study
Newark, NJ
Newark Alliance is working to transform the city’s food system into an engine for inclusive growth. New Venture Advisors led a comprehensive feasibility study for a central food hub or network of hubs that supports economic opportunity, job creation, and community well-being. The process included workshops, charrettes, and listening sessions to ensure diverse community voices shaped the vision. NVA also developed a two-phase strategy and flexible public market concept to guide early-stage development. (2025)
Community Kitchen Feasibility Study
Junction City, KS
Junction City Main Street and the Live Well Geary County Food Policy Council reached out to New Venture Advisors to conduct a feasibility study for a shared-use commercial kitchen designed to strengthen local food access and entrepreneurship. This study supported more than 80 small food businesses, 15 farmers, and a community meals program guided by the 2024 local food system plan. The team developed detailed financial models across four potential downtown sites to evaluate operational viability. NVA also crafted a funding strategy that aligned with the goal of renovating a historic property while ensuring long-term sustainability. (2025)
International Public Market Feasibility Study
King County, WA
Envisioned as a dynamic hub for culturally diverse foods and experiences, an International Public Market in South King County could serve as both an economic and cultural landmark. New Venture Advisors led a feasibility study with the Port of Seattle and King County to evaluate the concept, engaging immigrant and refugee communities through multilingual research tools in seven languages. The team analyzed consumer spending and global case studies of successful markets. These findings helped shape a development model celebrating heritage while fostering entrepreneurship and tourism. (2024)
Winchendon Grocery Development
Winchendon, MA
In the town of Winchendon, Massachusetts, community members rallied to restore local grocery access after the closure of their only store. New Venture Advisors partnered with Growing Places and HEAL Winchendon to conduct a feasibility study confirming strong support, viable business models, and sustainable sales potential. The team evaluated sites and partnerships, creating collaborative designs aligned with local goals. NVA also developed strategies to strengthen distribution networks and crafted short- and long-term plans for lasting success. Building on this work, NVA is supporting business model development and planning for two existing grocery operators in Winchendon—Not Just Produced and The FarmStand Winchendon—to strengthen their roles as sustainable local grocery resources for the community. (2026)
Feasibility Study for Abattoir at Fauquier Livestock Exchange
Marshall, VA
Expanding local meat processing capacity has been a longstanding goal for producers in northern Virginia. To explore this opportunity, New Venture Advisors partnered with the Fauquier Livestock Exchange (FLX) and Fauquier County to assess the feasibility of an abattoir co-located with the existing livestock auction facility. The team developed financial models illustrating how an operator could launch and sustain the business within FLX’s framework. NVA continues to assist with partner and operator identification while refining the development model for long-term success. (2026)
Southern Illinois Mobile Market Feasibility Study
Chicago, IL
New Venture Advisors conducted a feasibility study for Faith in Place’s Southern Illinois Mobile Market initiative, which aims to expand healthy food access across 17 rural counties. NVA assessed community needs, partners, and service locations, and developed a plan and implementation toolkit to support a collaborative mobile market network that strengthens access while supporting local producers. (2024)
Santa Clara County Community Food Hub Feasibility Study
San Jose, CA
In San José, Veggielution envisioned a regional food hub that would expand support for farmers and entrepreneurs while strengthening its park-based facilities. New Venture Advisors evaluated feasibility and created a framework for collaboration across the region. The process included inclusive, multilingual engagement to ensure diverse stakeholder representation. NVA also developed coaching guides and toolkits to empower local leaders to connect with multilingual farmers and residents in shaping a comprehensive city- and countywide plan. (2024)
Detroit Food Commons Operating Plan
Detroit, MI
A landmark project for Detroit’s North End neighborhood, the Detroit Food Commons embodies community ownership and revitalization. New Venture Advisors supported the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network and Develop Detroit in launching the $22 million, 31,000-square-foot facility featuring a co-op grocery, four incubator kitchens, office space, and a banquet hall. NVA developed an operating plan and detailed financial projections to ensure long-term sustainability and community alignment. NVA also built flexible models that balance subsidized access with market-rate pricing to promote equity and economic opportunity. (2024)
Community Food & Gardens Center Feasibility Study
DeKalb County, IL
In Northern Illinois, Rooted For Good is developing a first-of-its-kind community hub that integrates food, health, and wellness on a multi-acre campus. New Venture Advisors supported multiple phases of research, engagement, and planning to refine the campus design, operations, and financial strategy. The site will include expanded farm operations, greenhouses, a garden retail center, kitchen, warehouse, and education spaces. The team also created dynamic financial models exploring traditional and innovative revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability and alignment with Rooted For Good’s mission. (2024)
The Food Mill Food Infrastructure and Ag Corridor
Columbus, GA
In Columbus, Georgia, The Food Mill and its partners are transforming a corridor into a vibrant ecosystem for food access and entrepreneurship. New Venture Advisors helped design the model for this next phase, building on earlier facility expansion work. The project features shared kitchens, gardens, food trucks, and retail spaces supported by a Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant. The team also conducted capacity assessments to align partner strengths and expand opportunities across neighborhoods. (2024)
Barry County Blue Zones Initiative: Community Food Center Feasibility Study
Hastings, MI
New Venture Advisors partnered with the Barry Community Foundation and B.Healthy Barry County, formerly Blue Zones Activate Barry County, to help realize the community’s vision for a Community Food Center that promotes health, nutrition, and local food access in Hastings, Michigan. NVA conducted a feasibility study to determine the ideal mix of programs, models, and locations for long-term success. The center is proposed to open in late 2026 as Mill Street Market combines a year-round farm stop (grocery), kitchen incubator, and education spaces alongside daycare and community facilities. NVA also partnered with Argus Farm Stop to model the farm-stop grocery concept to ensure both sustainability and community impact. (2026)
California Indian Traditional Food Incubator
Santa Rosa, CA
In Sonoma County, the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center is creating a kitchen incubator rooted in Indigenous foodways and entrepreneurship. New Venture Advisors guided the programming, design, and pre-construction phases of this SBA-funded initiative. The project will establish a dedicated space for American Indian and Alaska Native food producers to launch and grow their businesses. The team also adapted research tools to authentically reflect community voices and led the selection of a design partner to bring the concept to life. (2026)
Food Bank Council of Michigan Senior Food Access Pilot Program
Lansing, MI
Across Michigan, seniors in remote or transportation-limited areas face growing barriers to food access. To address this, New Venture Advisors worked with the Food Bank Council of Michigan to design and test a statewide home-delivery pilot with seven regional food banks. The project involved collaboration among five partner organizations to optimize logistics and innovate distribution solutions. NVA also created a simulation-based exercise to pressure-test the model and improve efficiency within the unified food bank system. (2023)
Tulsa Collaborative Food Hub Feasibility Study
Tulsa, OK
New Venture Advisors partnered with a coalition of Tulsa-based organizations—including RG Foods, Food on the Move, Fresh Rx, Tulsa Farmers’ Market, and Oasis Fresh Market—to address regional supply chain challenges impacting small grocers and food outlets. NVA conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the development of a regional food hub and cooperative buying group. The team facilitated collaboration among partners to explore shared purchasing power, cooperative operating models, and distribution strategies. NVA also created financial models examining financing structures that would ensure a sustainable, community-driven hub for the Tulsa region. (2023)
Food Bank Collaboration for Northern Michigan
Flint, MI
Efforts to improve food distribution across northern Michigan inspired a joint initiative between the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and Feeding America West Michigan. New Venture Advisors evaluated the feasibility of a shared warehouse and resource center serving the Upper and northern Lower Peninsulas. Through collaborative design charrettes, the team shaped the facility’s vision and operational model while analyzing statewide supply routes. NVA’s work identified critical gaps and opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and expand access to nutritious food in rural regions. (2023)
Crow Innovation Center Feasibility Study
Crow Agency, MT
On the Crow Indian Reservation, where food access declined following the loss of a local grocery, Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation partnered with New Venture Advisors to reimagine small business development and food access. NVA assessed the feasibility of a grocery store and business incubation center across two renovated buildings, developed financial models for construction and long-term sustainability, collaborated with an Indigenous-led design team, and trained local leaders in community engagement methods to co-create locally grounded solutions. (2023)
Roaring Fork Valley Regional Food Facilities Feasibility & Design
Basalt, CO
In Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, the historic Emma Store Buildings became the focus of a regional strategy to enhance food infrastructure. New Venture Advisors partnered with Pitkin County, LIFT-UP, and the Aspen Community Foundation to explore how these sites—and others—could support food access, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community gathering. The team structured its assessment around historic preservation, public space integration, and transportation connectivity. A multi-site model emerged, balancing diverse partner goals and aligning regional organizations around a shared vision for a resilient local food system. (2023)
Bushel & Peck Food Hub Feasibility Study
Charles Town, WV
With Jefferson G.A.P Coalition, New Venture Advisors evaluated the expansion of Bushel & Peck into a broader regional food hub with wholesale, institutional sales, and a commercial kitchen/community space. A community-led, multi-year assessment clarified infrastructure and resource priorities. Flexible business models and near-term strategies enable program growth while planning for longer-term facility investment. (2025)
North Central Massachusetts Food Campus Feasibility Study
North Central Massachusetts, MA
For Local Food Works, New Venture Advisors led a feasibility study and business planning process to support the launch of a new food processing center in Gardner, MA. The facility aggregates and distributes products from more than 30 local farms with a focus on small farmers and supports the 27 communities of North Central Massachusetts. Through a multi-stakeholder regional assessment, NVA equipped partners with interview, survey, and focus group tools to strengthen connections with local communities. This collaborative approach aligned the center’s growth strategy with the needs of farmers, customers, and partner organizations. Building on this foundation, NVA is supporting business model, workflow, and process improvements to ensure the facility can effectively and sustainably support the regional supply chain. (2026)
NMU Food Hub Feasibility Study
Marquette, MI
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, limited food infrastructure has long challenged local producers and distributors. To address this, New Venture Advisors and the Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health evaluated the feasibility of a shared-use aggregation, distribution, and light processing facility. The expanded feasibility study assessed the economic viability of a regional network and central warehouse model. The team developed innovative operational and financial frameworks integrating volunteer, nonprofit, and for-profit components while accounting for the region’s geography and short growing seasons. (2022)
King County Innovation Hub Feasibility Study
Kent, WA
New Venture Advisors supported King County and the City of Kent in advancing local food system development through strategic planning, feasibility analysis, and community engagement. Building on the 2014 Local Food Initiative, NVA conducted a feasibility study for a local food hub and innovation space, refining the operating model, facility plan, site concept, and financial sustainability while aligning with regional urban transit development plans. The project also included engaging multilingual immigrant and refugee communities and analyzing the growth cycle of local food entrepreneurs to ensure the facility could support business incubation, acceleration, and long-term scaling. (2023) Download report here.
The Food Basket Community Food Center
Hilo, HI
New Venture Advisors partnered with The Food Basket, Hawai’i Island’s food bank, to design and plan a new multi-facility campus that will expand food access and strengthen regional food security. The proposed East Hawai’i campus will increase capacity to meet rising community needs while enhancing resilience, disaster preparedness, and educational programming. NVA developed detailed facility designs, financial models, and 3D renderings to support funding and stakeholder engagement. Collaborating with local partners, the team also led regional workshops to shape the campus vision—positioning The Food Basket to eliminate hunger and foster a more sustainable, community-centered food system across Hawai’i Island. (2023)
Oneida Nation Meat Processing Facility
Oneida, WI
New Venture Advisors partnered with the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin to explore the development of a Nation-owned and operated meat processing facility as part of its ongoing commitment to food sovereignty and self-sufficiency. The feasibility study examined opportunities to localize protein processing and integrate workforce training in production spaces. NVA also created a regulatory resource guide spanning sovereign, local, and state jurisdictions to support implementation. (2022)
Eastern Market Processing and Distribution Expansion Study
Detroit, MI
As Detroit’s historic Eastern Market prepared for a major expansion, New Venture Advisors helped envision the next chapter of this 130-year-old food district. The firm conducted a feasibility study and designed two new food safety–compliant facilities to house processing, warehousing, and distribution businesses, freeing up the main campus for retail and community uses. The team developed detailed layouts for large-scale processing and market spaces to support regional farmers and entrepreneurs. NVA also built analytical tools to evaluate statewide logistics and distribution routes, ensuring the project strengthens Michigan’s entire food system network.(2022)
McHenry County College Food Hub
Crystal Lake, IL
New Venture Advisors conducted a feasibility study for a campus-based food hub at McHenry County College’s Center for Agrarian Learning. NVA developed financial and operational models centered on student-led, education-first operations, and outlined a phased facility approach aligned with the college’s long-term development strategy and funding capacity. (2022)
God’s Pantry Food Warehouse
Lexington, KY
New Venture Advisors partnered with God’s Pantry Food Bank and Warehouses4Good to plan a fourth regional distribution center that expands food storage and distribution capacity across 50 counties in central and eastern Kentucky. Engagement with regional stakeholders informed an operating model and facility program built around user needs. NVA adapted outreach for Appalachian communities and surfaced key partnerships for community-supported development. (2022)
Business Impact NW
Seattle, WA
New Venture Advisors evaluated the feasibility of a shared kitchen and food business incubation program for Business Impact NW (BIN) in Woodinville, Washington. During BIN’s 90-day due diligence period, NVA conducted a rapid assessment of operational, facility, and financial viability, advised on lease negotiations, and explored sustainable sourcing and electric kitchen strategies within a planned LEED-certified facility. (2022)
Miko Meats Food Facility Feasibility and Design
Hilo, HI
In Hawai‘i County, the revitalization of a former meat processing facility offered the chance to strengthen the island’s agricultural value chain. New Venture Advisors partnered with Miko Meats to conduct a feasibility study to explore opportunities for aggregation, processing, and cold storage that would relieve regional bottlenecks and support food business growth. The team assessed technical and regulatory requirements for adapting the historic, multi-generation operation to modern standards. NVA also created financial models to identify revenue opportunities and strategies for transforming the site into a vital regional food system asset. (2022)
CLiCK Expansion Feasibility Study
Windham, CT
Serving as a vital hub for food entrepreneurs in Windham, Connecticut, CLiCK, Inc. provides affordable kitchen access and education for lower-income and minority business owners. With demand steadily increasing, New Venture Advisors conducted a feasibility study and developed a multi-phase expansion plan to help CLiCK grow sustainably while meeting members’ evolving needs. The team analyzed facility use and programming to guide strategic development and ensure alignment with user priorities. NVA also facilitated board discussions to design a phased approach to construction, programming, and operations—balancing growth with available resources and long-term community impact. (2022)
Warehouses4Good Mississippi Delta Food Warehouse
Moorhead, MS
With a USDA Rural Business Development Grant, New Venture Advisors helped Warehouses4Good to repurpose an existing South Delta building for a multi-use food warehouse venture. The facility program would include dry/cold storage, value-added processing, and offices for food-sector organizations. NVA’s commercial assessment and BIPOC-focused engagement co-created an operating model reflecting community priorities. (2022)
Oneida Community Cannery
Oneida, WI
Through a multi-year collaboration with the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, New Venture Advisors helped bring the Oneida Community Cannery through concept development —a commercial and community-use food production center designed to preserve traditional foodways and foster local entrepreneurship. Beginning with a feasibility study in 2018 and culminating in a detailed business plan in 2022, NVA guided the Nation through each stage of development. The process emphasized culturally responsive engagement rooted in storytelling, intergenerational dialogue, and local leadership. NVA also crafted an operating model that translated traditional recipes into scalable production systems, blending heritage and innovation in food systems planning. (2022)
Spartanburg Community Food Center Feasibility Study
Spartanburg, SC
Building on Spartanburg Food System Coalition’s 2020 food system plan, New Venture Advisors completed a preliminary assessment toward a Community Food Center. The process convened community workshops to identify program and operational partners grounded in local leadership. Equity-led decision-making ensured residents shaped the center’s functions, priorities, and lasting impact. (2021)
Damian’s Craft Meats Feasibility Study
Ann Arbor, MI
New Venture Advisors partnered with Damian’s Craft Meats to assess and plan the development of a community-centered slaughterhouse and meat processing facility in southeast Michigan. Through a comprehensive feasibility study and business plan, NVA evaluated market potential, facility design, and financial strategies to support a more equitable and resilient regional meat value chain. The team built adaptable financial models to guide a multi-million-dollar venture with diverse capital partners and supported extensive outreach to local producers and buyers. This project positions Damian’s Craft Meats to advance sustainable growth in the regional meat sector while honoring values of animal welfare, community collaboration, and food system equity. (2021)
Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study
Staunton, VA
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission explored an Agricultural Enterprise Center to help Shenandoah Valley producers diversify, bridge market gaps, and reach new buyers through aggregation and value-added services. New Venture Advisors conducted a comprehensive feasibility study—including input from 100+ regional farmers, ranchers, food businesses, and buyers—to define the optimal operating model, size, location, and components. The resulting Shenandoah Specialty Meat and Produce Hub included produce aggregation, meat processing and aggregation, and a commercial kitchen. (2021) Read the report here.
Rural Grocery Food Hub Assessment
Beloit, KS
The North Central Regional Planning Commission of Kansas spearheaded a study to support rural growers, consumers and grocery stores in North Central Kansas. Its vision was to assist rural grocery stores in establishing a local food hub within their operation to bring them additional revenue, provide new sources of revenue for local producers, and bring more local agricultural products into the community. NVA led the study, which began with grocery store owners conducting self-assessments using NVA’s Rural Grocery HubSizer® tool. (2017)
New London County Food Hub Feasibility Study
New London, CT
This study, led by United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the New London County Food Policy Council, assessed the food landscape in the region to determine the optimal operating model for a food hub in the county and the financial viability of this potential hub. The study resulted in a decision to move forward with a nonprofit, services-focused food hub whose aim is to support growers in expanding production. (2015) Read the report here.
Greater Kansas City Food Hub
Kansas City, KS
A coalition of individuals and organizations worked towards the establishment of a local food hub to aggregate and distribute local produce in the Kansas City region. NVA completed the feasibility study in 2014 and the food hub launched as Fresh Farm HQ in 2016. (2014)
Southern Wisconsin Food Hub Feasibility Study
Madison, WI
This study led by Dane County Planning and Development explored the feasibility of creating an aggregation and distribution facility in southern Wisconsin serving customers in Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago. The report is an excellent example of a public entity creating a strategic foundation from which a public or private interest may continue business development. Read the report here. (2011)
