Food Biz Week 2025 Re-Cap: A Celebration of Food & Innovation

Food Biz Week 2025, hosted by Business Impact NW, was a heartfelt celebration of the rich food and farm community in the Pacific Northwest. From February 24 to 27, innovative food entrepreneurs, industry experts, and community partners came together to share insights that support the food business journey. This week was more than just an event; it served as a platform for exchanging knowledge, forging connections, and honoring the hard work of entrepreneurs. Attendees were treated to expert advice and inspiring success stories while enjoying a networking event celebrating achievements. It was a wonderful opportunity to nurture growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging within the food community. Henry Wong, Vice President of Programs for Business Impact NW reflects,

“I’m grateful for the entrepreneurs who took the time to share their stories with us during Food Biz Week. The wealth of knowledge and experience captured in these interviews will be such a valuable resource for other small business owners. I loved seeing the many universal challenges and takeaways coming up regardless of industry and the different pathways each founder has taken on their business journey.”

Henry adds, “I learn something new each time I watch an interview! It was a joy to see that business-to-business connection and learning, carry over into our in-person networking event as well as conversations ranging from sourcing and labeling insights to collaboration requests.”

Support that Fuels Potential

During the week, attendees participated in empowering interview sessions with local food industry entrepreneurs. They explored the resources and services offered by Business Impact NW and attended a networking event at 21 Acres. Participants heard stories of scaling food businesses, accessing funding, navigating regulatory challenges, and how to master effective marketing strategies. Food Biz Week 2025 provided valuable information designed to help entrepreneurs connect and elevate their businesses to the next level.

Business Impact NW is proud to partner with local food and farm businesses at any stage. With tailored one-on-one business coaching, training resources, and access to funding, we help entrepreneurs from starting their business to scaling it. We also partner with community resources like 21 Acres, where entrepreneurs can enhance their skills as they learn. 21 Acres is a leader in sustainable and regenerative practices, serving as an agroecological education center and living laboratory for people who want to learn about solutions to climate change.

Meet the Founders: Six Stories of Food & Farm Businesses

Food Biz Week 2025 showcased the inspiring stories of six extraordinary food and farm entrepreneurs. Representing a vibrant mix of businesses, these pioneers are reshaping the culinary landscape. Representing food trucks, brick and mortar locations, health-conscious alternatives, and sustainable farm businesses, the entrepreneurs are full of innovation. Their journeys are filled with the spirit of entrepreneurship making each story a powerful testament to the culture of food. Maya Rose, Senior Business Coach for Business Impact NW, says,

“We were so proud to showcase these business owners and feel it’s important for budding and established entrepreneurs to hear about the very real challenges and wins that others are experiencing.”

Though Food Biz Week 2025 has ended, their interviews are still available. Click here to access the playlist and learn more about the businesses and their journeys.

Estelle Bakery – This Oregon-based, gluten-free bakery started as a food truck and is set to open its brick-and-mortar bakery in April 2025! Watch the interview here.

YES MA! Backyard Farm – This small, family-run farm in Pierce County focuses on growing African Heirloom crops for Caribbean-inspired specialty foods. Check out their interview here.

Howl at the Spoon – This innovative company creates chef-crafted sauces in perfectly portioned packs with restaurant-quality flavor. See their interview here.

The Creamy Crow – The Creamy Crow brings a taste of Portugal to Seattle with its delectable pastéis de nata, or Portuguese Tarts. Learn more about them here.

Marination – Bringing the best of Hawaiian Korean fusion to the table, Marination started as a food truck and is now a beloved Seattle staple with multiple locations. Hear their story here.

Lucky Crow Farm – This Monmouth, Oregon-based farm provides vegetables for farmers’ markets, food pantries, and restaurants and hosts a collaborative Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) option. Listen to their journey here.

Maya adds,

“I’m so glad that our business owners emphasized the value of patience and persistence. It can be tempting to scale too much, too soon, but these businesses are great examples of the success that results from steady, calculated growth. Through careful listening to their customer bases, market research, and financial oversight, these businesses have been able to pivot as needed and ultimately grow.”

A Night of Connection, Collaboration & Local Flavor

Food Biz Week 2025 concluded with an engaging in-person networking event held at 21 Acres Kitchen in Woodinville, WA. The venue, known for its commitment to sustainable and locally sourced food, provided a perfect backdrop for the gathering. Attendees, consisting of food entrepreneurs, community partners, and industry professionals, filled the room with energy and enthusiasm. Attendee Kiara Jefferson, Alchemy Tea and Juice says,

“My key takeaway from Food Biz Week is that community is important. Support is important. Even if it’s holding your hand through it. My support from Business Impact NW has done exactly that. They’ve shown me how important it is to make things practical and make things realistic for small businesses such as mine.”

The event was a true celebration of learning, collaboration, conversation, and local food entrepreneurship. While there, attendees enjoyed refreshments from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and Patty Pan Cooperative. Supo Techagumthorn, Chili Basil Thai Grill, adds,

“From Food Biz Week, I learned that community and support thrive within the local food ecosystem. As a small business owner, there’s a wealth of information available, and I find reassurance in knowing others are navigating the same journey as my family.”

A Special Culinary Highlight: Devra Gartenstein’s Flavorful Contribution

One of the night’s highlights was the culinary sponsorship from Devra Gartenstein, King County Farm & Food Businesses Coach at Business Impact NW. Guests were treated to a taco bar from Patty Pan Cooperative. Crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients Patty Pan took the flavor to the next level.

But these tacos were more than just a delicious treat; they symbolized the spirit of camaraderie and support that thrives within Business Impact NW. The dedication of our coaches shines through, fueled by their own entrepreneurial journeys and a genuine passion for fostering the success of others. Regarding Food Biz Week 2025, Devra says,

“The Food Biz Week in-person networking event at 21 Acres was lively and inspiring. It was wonderful to see so many clients face-to-face. I also enjoyed prepping the taco bar at the onsite state-of-the-art kitchen.”

A Special Thank You

Food Biz Week 2025 was a wonderful success; however, none of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Their commitment to uplifting food and farm entrepreneurs made this event a success. A special thank you goes out to 21 Acres, photographer Charissa Soriano, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and Patty Pan Cooperative.

Ready to take your food business to the next level? Connect with Business Impact NW today!

Want to learn more about the food business founders that were highlighted? For the complete playlist, click here!