FEED Summit

The only statewide conference in Wisconsin for early-stage Food and Farming Businesses.

Join us in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for business workshops, networking sessions, great local food, and field trips to local food businesses! Held at The Lismore, the conference kicks off on Monday, October 27 at 8 a.m. and concludes Tuesday, October 28 at 3 p.m.

Early Bird Registration:

Register before October 24th, 2025 and receive this $350+ value for only $85

Standard Registration:

Register after October 24th, 2025 and receive this $350+ value for only $95.

Thank you to our generous sponsors for reducing the cost of this event for all attendees!

Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and blackberries are displayed in green pint-sized containers.

Who Should Attend?

This Summit is for entrepreneurs at early stages of their journey. We look forward to seeing both those who are still shaping their ideas and those who are actively building and growing their businesses.

Entrepreneurs in the ideation phase generally have a great idea, have a skill, or have a key resource or property, but haven’t started selling their goods or services yet.

This includes most food and farming businesses in their initial stages of business development.

Entrepreneurs in the startup phase are generally producing goods or services and selling them to customers. They might not be profitable yet, and might be trying to grow their business.

This includes many food and farming businesses in their first five years of operation.

Entrepreneurs will gain valuable insights through sessions that cover key aspects of starting and sustaining a food business. These sessions will feature a range of speakers, including experts who support food and farming businesses, as well as Wisconsin-based entrepreneurs sharing their personal experiences and business journeys.

The FEED Summit is a welcoming environment where entrepreneurs can connect without the pressure of traditional networking. Through casual conversations and shared sessions, participants can build relationships that support connections. In the Exhibitor Hall, service organizations and other businesses will host informational booths offering valuable resources and connections for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.

FEED Summit activities are designed to help you promote your business and ideas, share your story, and receive thoughtful feedback to support your growth. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs and industry experts through friendly networking events, facilitated conversations, and a community pitch session.

Over 15 Sessions Designed to Support Your Food Business:


Understanding Food Safety & Licensing in Wisconsin Navigate regulations and requirements for launching and growing your food business.

Accessing Capital & Financial Services Learn how to access loans, grants, and other funding opportunities.

Innovative Food Business Models Explore diverse and emerging trends to build your food business.

Communicating Your Unique Value Explore strategies to tell your business’s story

And more!

Meet with experts for guidance on your business plan, marketing strategies, and other support for One-on-One Consultations.

Connect with other entrepreneurs, industry experts, and exhibitors during breakfast, lunch, and snack breaks.

Join a guided tour of downtown Eau Claire’s downtown food scene on Monday evening, or explore food businesses across the Chippewa Valley on Tuesday afternoon.

Participate in a community pitch session. Still looking to market or launch your food business? Share your business concept and receive kind and valuable feedback.

Join us in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at The Lismore on Monday, October 27 at 8 a.m. through Tuesday, October 28 at 3 p.m.

There is a limited number of rooms at the Lismore Hotel in Eau Claire for the FEED Summit. Use the link below to book your room by October 10th, 2025 to receive a discounted rate:

If you have any questions about booking a room, at The Lismore Hotel, please contact: Ricci Yderstad, Sales Manager, at ricci.yderstad@thelismore.com or 715-214-2437

A vendor hands an apple to a customer at a farmers market stand

For More information, contact Food Entrepreneurship and Local Market Development Outreach Associate, James Pyecroft

pyecroft@wisc.edu

(608) 263-6780


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