Are you or someone you know interested in operating a revolutionary food-distribution enterprise in Kane County?

Kane County’s Food Hub Project Team has just released an Operator Request for Proposals, seeking a qualified operator to manage and/or own a future food hub enterprise. It’s a rare opportunity for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit to help build and “grow” a business.

• CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!

Analysis conducted through Kane County’s Food Hub Feasibility Study determined that market conditions are extremely favorable for a food enterprise that aggregates regionally grown products for sale to wholesale and institutional buyers. Such an entity will also create new opportunities for Kane County and area farmers to sell their products, and be a source of fresh, healthy foods for underserved communities.

What are the benefits to an operator if selected to work with the Food Hub Project Team? If chosen, the operator will receive all research, data and comprehensive analysis compiled through the Food Hub Feasibility Study including but not limited to:

• Financial assessments and forecasts, including detailed assumptions of a steady state profit and loss statement.
• Full list of producers, buyers and other potential partners, their level of interest and commitment expectations.
• Operating model that includes health equity strategies, developed in collaboration with a network of health and food access specialists.
• A one-of-a-kind Wholesale Readiness Rubric to assist producers and the hub operator in meeting the needs of wholesale buyers.

In addition, the operator will receive technical services from the Food Hub Project consultant, New Venture Advisors, to develop a customized and comprehensive business plan at no cost to the selected operator.

Lastly, all interested candidates will have access to a list of potential facilities to house the food hub gathered through a Site Search Request for Information. This list will better enable interested operators to envision where the hub could be located and function as a resource for their proposals. If you know of potential building sites that should be added to the list, send a request to receive the Food Hub Site Search RFI to purchasing@co.kane.il.us.

In return for receiving these benefits, the operator will be asked to make the following commitments:

• Operate the food hub within Kane County.
• Use the data and resources provided solely for the purpose of developing a food hub.
• Make a good-faith effort to adopt an operating model that addresses food access needs and partners with producers in Kane County.

Applications for qualified operators will be accepted now through March 21, 2017. To request an Operator RFP packet, please complete a contact and registration form for the RFP, available here, and email it to purchasing@co.kane.il.us. You can get the form directly by clicking this link.

Visit the Food Hub Project webpage for additional background information.

Timeline

• Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017: Deadline for questions from potential applicants and site submissions for RFI.
• Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017: Update sent out, which will include responses to any questions received and a link to the site with a list of potential sites identified.
• Tuesday, March 21, 2017: RFP Deadline. All proposals must be received by 3 p.m. March 21.
• Spring/Summer 2017: Finalists notified and sent full details on the interview process.
• Summer 2017: Operator anticipated to be selected.