NextGenChef is a platform that provides support to aspiring Foodpreneurs focused on creating healthy, affordable, regenerative and accessible food based ventures. Our program is designed to support the growth of these community difference makers and help them create local, affordable, and regenerative food businesses.
Why and how did you start NextGenChef?
NextGenChef was started in 2018 with an idea or thought that each one of us has a right to eat nutritious food. To fulfil this very right, NextGenChef was launched.
The founder of NextGenChef, Justine Reichman, explains:
I want to change the conversation around our food system so that people everywhere support local ecosystems and enjoy greater access to healthy food. NextGenChef empowers socially minded F&B entrepreneurs with the resources they need to launch their businesses and begin creating greater access to quality food products. I am the most skilled at and comfortable with connecting the right entities to the right resources. Hence I launched NextGenChef, an expansive network offering real tools, including a directory of culinary mentors, help with research and development, and dynamic community events.
What makes NextGenChef special? How does it work?
We are a team of food entrepreneurs supported by experts from the industry and a global network of advisers, mentors and resources. We facilitate people with the tools to succeed in their food business, such as collaborative kitchens, mentorship, educational workshops, and others.
What have been your biggest success factors?
The mentors and experts we have accumulated to spend one-on-one time with new business owners to resolve their problems has proven to be our biggest success driver. Another important consideration is our interactive application, where one can easily connect to the community and stay up to date right from the comfort of a mobile device.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced launching and running your company?
The biggest challenge which we have ever faced is the current pandemic COVID-19 which has significantly impacted the food supply chain in the US. From shortage of groceries to a phenomenal surge in meat price have created hardships in the lives of one and all.
Also, since we are a lean team, therefore, sometimes our reach and vision can be more than the capacity of our team.
What do you think is most important: the right product, the market, or the right team?
The right product-market is the foundation to a successful business. They cannot exist independently of each other.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We are working to build our network and have bigger guest speakers and hopefully create a kind of fund to help entrepreneurs who are struggling to get started or stay afloat.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who are just started or want to start?
More people are happy to mentor you than you think, just ask!
Where can we find out more about NextGenChef?
You can reach us on our website:
https://www.nextgenchef.com/