PRODUCTS & SERVICES
When complete FFUGMFIFH will have several attractive leasing options for small businesses searching for commercial space to accommodate their start-up, expansion, downsizing or relocation. Our facility has 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space to accommodate food related ventures pilot farming, preparation, processing, aggregation, distribution, storage and retail. FFUGMFIFH is located just 35 miles southeast of downtown Chicago at the intersection of Lincoln Highway and State Route 394 (S.R. 394), Ford Heights is bordered by Stager and Crete Monee to the South, Chicago Heights to the West, Glenwood to the North and Lynnwood and Sauk Village on the East it is accessible. The facility is located three blocks south of Lincoln Highway and a block east of the Ford Stamping Plant.
FFUGMFIFH offers a culturally managed production environment where startup can receive customized business assistance to develop, test, and refine their business practices and strategies prior to market entry. Additionally, alongside its partners FFUGMFIFH offers a variety of products and services designed to enhance skills and knowledge including: career readiness; work-based learning; internships; apprenticeships; employment;0 coaching; mentoring; business planning; workshops, seminars; networking; competitions; credit counselling; accounting services; legal counsel; marketing; location assistance; insurance; human resources; managed production environment; scholarships; financing and various other products and services as needed.
MARKETING STRATEGY
FFUGMFIFH will initially target families of color with children 0-26 years residing in the six South Suburban Townships of Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Monee, Rich, and Thornton with a primary focus on African-Americans. The 2012 census data is evident that agriculture in the United States is indeed becoming more diverse. On average, non-white farmers increased by nearly 15 percent over the past five years, compared to a nearly 5 percent decrease among white farmers. Asian American farmers saw the largest growth of 22 percent, following by Hispanic farmers (21 percent), Black farmers (9 percent), American Indian producers (9 percent) and Native Hawaiian producers (8 percent). In contrast, the number of women farmers decreased at a higher rate than their male counterparts over the past five years. African-American farmers make up less than 2 percent of all farmers in the United States. They helm shrinking operations that are less profitable on average than those owned by their white counterparts—and, according to a new report, this decline is the direct result of discriminatory lending practices by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The ideal candidates for Underground Farms and Food Hub Incubator are aspiring career seeker, entrepreneurs, retailers, small producers, chefs, caterers, food truck operators, distributors, co-packers, wholesalers, processors, underemployed and unemployed individuals with an interest in agriculture and local food systems. Eligible applicants will be US citizens, age 18 and older, possessing a high school diploma or equivalent and have a combined reading, math and language score of 9.0. Individuals interested but unable to qualify will be referred to a project partner for preparation assistance. Applicants will be required to submit a letter of intent, complete an application and attend an in-person interview. Applications will be accepted year-round with (Mintel Group 2009) admission granted in the spring and fall of each year when space is available.
Demand for local food is strong and increasing— among end consumers as well as wholesale buyers. According to Mintel, a market research firm that studies consumer trends, “Local procurement is a fast-growing category with tremendous promise, and marketers that are aware of the many dynamics at play can generate significant revenues.”4 Mintel found that one out of six Americans will go out of their way to buy local products. Locally sourced fruits and vegetables was the product category with greatest consumer interest, with 31% purchasing this product category from local sources at least once per week.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Project development is being planned and executed in stages and is expected to take 3-5 years to complete. The project will require a variety of different partners throughout the various stages of development.
Site Preparations – regulatory compliance, clearing, site design, grading, drainage, soil amendments, irrigation, and conservation strategies.
Site Buildout – perimeter fencing, surveillance, renewable energy solution, raised-bed, washing and packing stations, walk-in cooler, compose bins, climate control greenhouses, in-ground production beds and additional pollinator habitat.
Commencing Products & Services – office and retail tenants, service partners, managed production environment, career services, retail products, coaching, startups planning, mentoring and networking, storage management, product procurement and distribution, product development, product and technique test, marketing & advertising, sales and customer services support.
MANAGEMENT PLAN
While F.U.T.U.R.E. Foundation Inc., is a not-for-profit organization currently governed, managed and advised by a diverse group of passionate individuals and local food system advocates, FFUGMFIFH is a for-profit entity. We will continue to identify and recruit additional individuals to serve in various capacities throughout project startup and growth stages.
During the project development stages management will utilize a Food Production System Learning Tours (FPSLT) philosophy. FPSLT refers to a startup strategy used by staff when developing and or adding a new food production system. The goal of FPSLT’s is allowing staff to experience production and managing operations in the new system prior to public rollout. FFUGMFIFH food production systems include: site preparations, buildout, greenhouses; low/high tunnels; raised beds and in-ground production, transplant and direct seeding. During FPSLT, staff are expected to produce and distribute crops for local markets. Revenue generated during FPSLT will be used to sustain and expand operations.
FINANCIAL PLAN
FFUGMFFHI is expected to be fully operational and sustainable within 3-5 years after completion. It is estimated that project startup activities are expected to take between 1-3 years to complete and cost an estimated ($). Revenue projections after startup are estimated to top ($) annually and will include public and private support as well earned income.