Program Description
Every fruit of a harvest begins with a seed and the work required for it to germinate and grow. With this idea in mind, the South Valley Economic Development Center (SVEDC) developed the Semilla (Spanish for seed) Program over the last 5+ years.
The Semilla Program is designed to help entrepreneurs, whether existing or brand new, learn business basics tailored to the food industry. From there, the program helps verify that a business idea or food product is viable and guides participants toward a successful launch.
To support that journey, we built a one-of-a-kind curriculum that includes 1:1 support with knowledgeable SVEDC staff, downloadable and printable online reference guides, videos, readings, and practical worksheets to help build a business plan. Participants also gain access to cohort networking and mentorship opportunities with other food entrepreneurs. Through clear, direct benchmarks, the Semilla Program takes you from idea to startup in 6 months.
The SVEDC team assesses each entrepreneur’s strengths and weaknesses, then focuses training, consulting, and partner organization support where it is needed most. By the end of the program, participants have either created, validated, and launched their small business, or they have gained the clarity to make an informed, low-cost decision about whether their idea is truly worth pursuing.
Existing businesses can also benefit. The Semilla Program’s consultants and training are available to help strengthen any areas of weakness, no matter what stage the business is in.
Once a business has been launched or strengthened, the entrepreneur is ready for the next step. Depending on their industry and goals, that means moving into one of our business incubation programs or connecting with one of our trusted incubator partners.
CLICK HERE to fill out a Semilla Program Interest Form
Semilla Program Participants– CLICK HERE to enter the curriculum portal
Resources
- Business incubation training sessions
- One-on-one business & food industry consultants
- Community events
- Fiscal address at the center
- Receptionist service
- Co-working area
- Copy center
- Lunch room
- Shared spaces (Main Conference Room, Multipurpose Room, Private Office)
- Use of resources (high-speed internet, coffee maker and pot, chairs, tables, projector, screen, white board, etc.)
- Commercial kitchen access to test your products
The program is set to launch in the third quarter of 2026. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding the informational meeting dates!
Start Accelerating Your Business Today! If interested in being added to the Semilla Program waitlist, please email client.services@rgcdc.org and email us with the subject- “Semilla Program” , call us at 505-877-0373 or fill out the interest form!
Semilla Program will launch with a cohort of max of 12 participants.
FAQs
Is the Semilla Program right for me?
Please review the Semilla Program commitment requirements:
- 6 In-Person Training Days: One in person training day per month over 24 weeks. These are your core learning intensives — attendance is required.
- Weekly Advisor Meeting: One dedicated hour each week with your Semilla program advisor to review your work, stay on track, and problem-solve together. May be virtual but in person is preferred.
- 4 Worksheets Per Week: Structured exercises tied to each week’s topic. Complete them before your advisor meeting.
- 3 Webinars Per Week: Short online sessions assigned each week. Watch them on your own schedule – but within the same week.
- 8–10 Hours Per Week: Your total weekly time commitment across all program activities. Treat it like a class you cannot skip.
- Full 24-Week Commitment: You are here for the whole journey. If something comes up, talk to your advisor early – we will work with you.
- Show Up for Your Cohort: You will grow alongside 14 other entrepreneurs. Respect their time, share your experience, and build together.
**Please note these requirements may be subject to change by the SVEDC Incubation Programs Manager.
How long is the Semilla Program?
Approximately 24 weeks
What is the cost of the Semilla Program?
Cost is $200 per month
There is a $100 one time sign-up fee.
How do I apply to the Semilla Program?
Please fill out an interest form by clicking here
How often does this program run? Is it available in Spanish?
The launch of the pilot cohort for the SVEDC Semilla Program is tentatively scheduled for quarter 3 of 2026. Based on the findings of this first pilot we will review and decide how often the program will run. Right now, we are running 1 cohort per year!
We are working on translating the program to Spanish. The first cohort will only be available in English.
How many participants will be selected for a cohort?
No more than 12 participants will be selected for the first cohort.
What resources are available to Semilla Program clients?
In addition to the guidance, equipment & facility spaces listed in the Resources section above, the Semilla Program gives you access to the commercial kitchen equipment*, which includes:
- Prep Sinks
- Convection Ovens
- Conventional Ovens
- Dehydrator
- Dishwasher
- Dough Sheet Roller
- Flat Top Grill
- Floor Mixers (Medium and Large
- Food Prep Areas (Stainless steel and wood)
- Fryer
- Produce Sink
- Regular Grill
- Steam Jacketed Kettles
- Stove Tops
- Tilting Skillets
*Exclusively for product testing. Actual production would occur in the Food Business Incubation Program.
What type of industries do you specialize in?
The SVEDC has the industry knowledge and equipment to support business in the following industries:
- 11 – Agriculture , Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
- 1151 – Support Activities for Crop Production
- 72 – Accommodation and Food Services
- 722310 – Food Service Contractors
- 722320 – Caterers
- 722330 – Mobile Food Services
- 311 – Manufacturing – Food
- 3113 – Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing
- 311411 – 311412 – Frozen Fruit, Juice, Vegetable and Frozen Specialty
- 311421 – Fruit and Vegetable Canning or Jarring (we do not have canning equipment)
- 311422 – Specialty Canning or Jarring (we do not have canning equipment)
- 311423 – Dried or Dehydrated Food (except meat dehydration)
- 3115 – Dairy Product Manufacturing
- 3117 – Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging
- 311811 – 311812 – Retail and Commercial Bakeries
- 311813 – Frozen Cakes, Pies, and Other Pastries
- 311821 – Cookie and Cracker Manufacturing
- 311824 – Dry Pasta Dough and Flour Mixes
- 311911 – Roasted Nuts and Peanut Butter
- 311919 – Other Snack Manufacturing
- 311920 – Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (we have limited equipment)
- 311930 – Flavoring Syrup and Concentrate
- 311941 – Mayonnaise, Dressing, and Other Prepared Sauce
- 311942 – Spice and Extract Manufacturing
- 311991 – Perishable Prepared Foods
- 311999 – All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing
Although SVEDC Staff and Business Advisors have the Industry knowledge to assist and provide guidance, the SVEDC facility does not have the equipment or space to incubate the following type of business:
- 11 – Agriculture , Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
- 1111 – Oilseed and Grain Farming
- 1112 – Vegetable and Melon Farming
- 1113 – Fruit and Tree Nut Farming
- 1114 – Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production
- 1119 – Other Crop Farming
- 1121 – Cattle Ranching and Farming
- 1122 – Hog and Pig Farming
- 1123 – Poultry and Egg Production
- 1124 – Sheep and Goat Farming
- 1125 – Aquaculture
- 72 – Accommodation and Food Services
- 722511 – Full-Service Restaurants
- 722513 – Limited-Service Restaurants
- 722514 – Cafeterias and Buffets
- 311 – Manufacturing – Food
- 3111 – Animal Food Manufacturing
- 3112 – Grain and Oilseed Milling
- 3116 – Animal Slaughtering and Processing
- 311830 – Tortilla Manufacturing
- 312 – Manufacturing – Beverage
Although the SVEDC Staff and Business Advisors can assist and provide guidance in the general business management concepts, the SVEDC Staff and Business Advisors do not have the industry knowledge to provide in-depth assistance or guidance.