April 30, 2025
Greenbrier Valley EDC is proud to partner with Bluefield WV EDA on the Food Truck Incubator Program. Through this partnership, entrepreneurs across all three counties of the Greenbrier Valley now have access to the resources and support needed to turn their food truck dreams into reality. Learn more below about the Food Truck Incubator Program and how you can get involved.
The Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority (BEDA) is proud to offer the Food Truck Incubator Program (FTIP), designed to empower entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and resources needed to succeed in the mobile food industry. Whether you dream of starting your own food truck or scaling an existing idea, BEDA’s program provides a comprehensive pathway to make those goals a reality.
Through the program, participants receive hands-on training, business development support, licensing assistance, marketing help, and the opportunity to gain experience running a food truck at a reduced rate. By lowering the cost of entry and providing real-world experience, the FTIP makes food entrepreneurship accessible and achievable.
Reflecting on his experience in the program, past program graduate Marshall Johnson shared:
“The program is very good. I got a lot of helpful information and experience, and for someone starting out, it gives you a wide variety of training such as marketing, sales, everything. Thank you to the BEDA team for assisting me throughout the entire process.”
Several of our program graduates have gone on to pursue opening their own food trucks and are actively working toward that goal, empowered by the experience and knowledge they gained through the program.
New Expansion: Welcoming Greenbrier County Participants
Thanks to a generous new grant from the USDA, BEDA is thrilled to announce the creation of two new food trailers as part of the FTIP that will be available soon. These new trailers will be available to serve Greenbrier County, expanding the program’s reach beyond the original 10-county service area (Fayette, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming).
We encourage any interested entrepreneurs to apply now and begin working through the program’s required training. We will notify applicants as soon as the trailers are ready for use.
What do I need to apply?
To apply to the program, you just need to provide us with some information about the business you’re dreaming of opening and the cuisine you plan to prepare through filling out an application. The program is designed to help equip you with the necessary things you need to operate a mobile food business. As you move through the program, you will be required to obtain and go through the following:
- Obtain Food Handler’s/Manager’s Certificate(s)
- Complete a Menu
- Complete and graduate BEDA’s online MyBluefield Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp “Starting a Business” Module
- Complete a Business Plan with the help of BEDA and partners
- Complete BEDA Marketing and Customer Experience Training
- Complete Logistics Training that BEDA provides
- Provide a valid Driver’s License
- Complete a Driving Course and a drug test/screening of BEDA/partner’s choosing
- Additional items per BEDA’s request
Ready to Get Started?
Applications are open! Whether you are in one of our original service counties or in Greenbrier County, the FTIP is here to support your food business journey. Visit https://www.mybluefield.org/ftiprogram to apply or learn more about the program and take your first step toward becoming a food entrepreneur.
We can’t wait to see the regional culinary businesses that will grow through this exciting expansion and serve our state.
Contact BEDA
Feel free to reach out to our team by email at dpuckett@bluewv.org or at 304-902-2332 extension 2408. You can also schedule time to meet with us here in Bluefield, WV, to discuss the program at https://www.mybluefield.org/meetwithme.
