Starting a food production business is both exciting and demanding. Whether you’re creating sauces, baked goods, spice blends, or ready-to-eat meals, success depends on a mix of creativity, consistency, and compliance. For food entrepreneurs, it’s about more than making something delicious—it’s about turning your passion into a sustainable business.

Starting a manufacturing business can be one of the most rewarding—and complex—ventures in entrepreneurship. Between equipment needs, regulations, production planning, and market strategy, it’s essential to have a solid foundation from day one.

Starting a business can be exciting—but also overwhelming. From developing your product to managing finances and finding your first customers, the early stages of entrepreneurship come with plenty of challenges. That’s where business incubators come in.

At the Shoals Culinary Center, we’re proud to support food entrepreneurs who bring creativity, passion, and dedication to their craft. One of those inspiring success stories belongs to Phil Ellis, the owner and founder of Alabama Hot Sauce — a thriving small business that proves what one person with a dream (and a love for spice) can accomplish.

Fall is in the air, and with it comes one of the most creative—and profitable—times of year for small businesses. Between cozy seasonal vibes and spooky Halloween fun, there’s no shortage of ways to engage your customers and stand out in your community.

Behind every thriving business community is a place where ideas collide, innovation grows, and entrepreneurs support one another. For the Shoals, that place is the Shoals Business Incubator (SBI)—a hub designed to help startups, small businesses, and creators turn vision into reality.

Innovation doesn’t always come with a big price tag. In fact, some of the most successful small businesses and startups thrive because they learn how to be resourceful—finding creative, low-cost ways to grow, connect, and stand out.

As the leaves begin to change and the year starts winding down, fall is the perfect time for business owners to pause, reflect, and refocus. The final quarter of the year offers one last push to reach your goals—and an opportunity to set the stage for success in the new year.

As the final quarter of the year approaches, small businesses face both challenges and opportunities. The holidays often bring increased demand, but they can also create financial strain if budgets aren’t managed carefully. That’s why September is the perfect time to check in on your financial health and ensure your business is set up for success heading into year-end.

Fall is one of the busiest—and most profitable—seasons for food trucks and catering businesses. Between community festivals, football games, and early holiday planning, the demand for delicious food and memorable service skyrockets. For culinary entrepreneurs, September is the perfect time to maximize visibility, build your brand, and grow your business through events.

As the summer winds down and September brings fresh energy, the Shoals comes alive with business events, educational programs, and community gatherings. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, this season is one of the best times to get out, get connected, and grow through networking.

As the long summer days wind down, September offers entrepreneurs the perfect chance to regroup, refocus, and reset. Fall brings a sense of renewed energy and structure—a time when routines settle back in, schools restart, and businesses prepare for the final push of the year. For startups and small business owners, this season is an opportunity to realign goals and build momentum for a strong finish.

For many culinary entrepreneurs, catering is one of the fastest ways to grow revenue, build a loyal customer base, and establish a strong local reputation. Even the smallest events—like office lunches or community gatherings—can lead to bigger opportunities when approached strategically.

Growing your business doesn’t always mean emptying your bank account. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs scale strategically by making smart, cost-effective decisions that maximize impact without unnecessary risk. Whether you’re in your first year or preparing for the next big leap, here’s how to grow your business while keeping your budget in check.

Late summer is festival season—and for food truck owners, it’s one of the best opportunities to grow your customer base, showcase your menu, and generate major revenue. But success at these events doesn’t happen by accident. It requires careful planning, smart strategy, and a little creativity to stand out from the crowd.

August often brings a slowdown for many businesses. Between summer vacations, back-to-school prep, and the end-of-season lull, it can feel challenging to maintain momentum.