By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is continuing its support for food entrepreneurs through its Food Innovation and Business Hub by offering a free Lunch and Learn webinar series in 2026. The program is designed to help individuals build successful food businesses through expert guidance and practical knowledge.
The webinars are open to everyone but are especially useful for food business owners, farmers interested in value-added products, and individuals who are just starting their journey in the food industry. These sessions focus on helping participants improve their business skills, understand regulations, and increase profitability.
Christa Hartsook, Program Manager for Farm, Food and Enterprise Development at ISU Extension and Outreach, highlighted the importance of these learning opportunities. “These bite‑sized lunch and learn webinars are designed specifically for small food business owners," said Hartsook. “We’ll offer real-world experiences and practical tips on everything from food safety to marketing to using AI efficiently in your business. Bring your lunch and leave with ideas you can use.”
Each webinar session is scheduled to begin at noon and will feature presentations by experts in food business development and food safety. After the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with the experts. This interactive format makes the sessions more beneficial and easy to understand for beginners.
The webinar schedule includes several useful topics. On July 7, the focus will be on Food Innovation and Business Hub Analytical Services. August 4 will cover shelf-stable frostings, while September 1 will introduce the use of artificial intelligence in small food businesses. On October 6, participants will learn about effective food marketing strategies. November 3 will focus on sauce production, and December 1 will again address shelf-stable frostings.
The series aims to provide simple and practical solutions that food entrepreneurs can apply immediately. By focusing on important areas such as food safety, marketing techniques, and new technologies, the program helps participants improve their business operations.
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Categories: Iowa, Business