Be your own boss.

Starting your own natural food company can be a daunting, risky enterprise. Not all of us went to business school, and even those who did can still use some direction from experienced entrepreneurs in the field. Naturally Boulder’s Spring Education Series provides an incredible resource for those interested in pioneering their own natural product.

With reasonable attendance fees, these classes can even serve as good indicators for people who don’t know if the entrepreneur route is for them. Whether you have a dream, a great idea, or a company that could use some more advice, Naturally Boulder’s expert panelists can help you make the most of your ambitions.

~Sara Bruskin

The following press release announces the schedule and additional information about the education series:

Where the “Rubber Meets the Road”
Naturally Boulder’s Spring Education Series Offers Support For Young Entrepreneurs
April 26^th *  May 10^th *  May 17^th

Boulder, Colo. – April 11, 2011 – Naturally Boulder, a local organization whose mission is to nurture start-up natural foods companies and to promote Boulder as the epicenter of the natural products movement, is offering its popular Spring Education Series for the fifth year. This series of classes, hosted by volunteer industry experts, will provide tactical assistance and insight to early-stage, entrepreneurial Boulder companies as they launch into natural, organic and LOHAS channels.

The Naturally Boulder Education Series will take place from April 26^th – May 17^th in cooperation with the LEEDS School of Business Deming Center at the University of Colorado, and the cost to attend each class is $20.00.

The Idea and Launch Stage: How To Take Your Idea From the Kitchen to the Shelf

April 26, 2011 – 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Leeds School of Business, rm. 255

This class is designed for beginners (but helpful for everyone) and will provide a wealth of information on transforming your business idea into a reality. Presentations will include a natural products industry overview, as well as advice on product creation and formulation, building a brand, and legal issues.

“The first session of this three-part education series is designed to provide early-stage entrepreneurs with a robust grasp of the key issues surrounding new product launches. Topics include organizational structure and legal issues, product formulation, branding issues, and channel and distribution challenges,” said Frank Lampe, Director of Communications for the American Herbal Products Association. “Our seasoned panel of experts will provide a solid understanding of these key areas to create a foundation for the follow-up classes that help entrepreneurs take their products to the next stage, retail store shelves.”

Confirmed panelists for the April 26^th class include: Barr Hogan, natural products consultant and former Creative Chef at Odwalla; Mark Maggio, co-founder of Boulder Chips Company; and business attorney, Rob Goldstein, Esq.

Getting Off the Shelf and Into More Places:

May 10, 2011 – 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Leeds School of Business, rm. S127S

Once a product is in the store and selling, entrepreneurs need to understand how to grow your market presence. This class will address the challenge of developing a business growth strategy and moving products off the shelf. Presentations will include advice on developing public relations and marketing strategy with PR expert Sandja Brugmann, founder of Refresh Agency. Additionally, Alex Cioth, Executive Vice President of Fresca Foods will provide advice on how to identify and work with contract manufacturers. Tadd Overstreet of Rocky Mountain Presence will give valuable insight into product brokers and distributors, and Tom Rich, Grocery Coordinator at Whole Foods Market, Rocky Mountain Region, will provide valuable tips about store-level retail strategy.

“Class No. 2 is the next installment in our education series, as it takes the product from inception, development and retail to marketing and increasing production and presence to meet consumer demand,” said Bill Capsalis, Naturally Boulder Board member and Chair of the Education Committee. “This truly is where the rubber meets the road, because so many entrepreneurs have fabulous product ideas, but they don’t know how to create market demand and eventually meet that demand with increase production.”

The Next Wave Roundtable:

May 17, 2011, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Leeds School of Business, rm, S127

The third class in Naturally Boulder’s 2011 Education Series will feature a stimulating round-table discussion with the founders of some of Boulder’s most successful mid-stage companies. As new companies begin grow and expand their revenue, it is important to know what to expect.

Participants will hear the answers to questions, like “What does it take to get to the next level?” “What are your challenges today?” and “What is the best advice you can give someone who is just starting out?” from a panel of experts who have been in the trenches: John Simmons – Founder, 3rd Street Chai; Brook Eddy – Founder, Bahkti Chai; Justin Gold – Founder, Justin’s Nut Butters, Kate Brown – Founder, Boulder Soup Works; Phil Anson – Founder, evoL Burritos, Catherine Hunziker – Owner, Wish Garden Herbs; Eric Their and Darrin Foster – Founder and CFO of Oogies Snacks; and Steve Karowe – Founder, Overseas Connections.

About Naturally Boulder

Established in 2005 as an economic development initiative by the City of Boulder and the Boulder Economic Council, Naturally Boulder’s mission is to solidify Boulder as the epicenter of the natural products industry. We do this by supporting emerging businesses to launch and stay in Boulder, Colo., and attracting natural products businesses to the region. We promote natural and organic products and services in Boulder through various events and educational opportunities. Please visit www.naturallyboulderproducts.com for more information.