Supporting Diverse Food Entrepreneurs through the Southwest Regional Food Business Center

Diaspora Groceries Paving Pathways for Urban Farmers, Producers, and Residents Across Los Angeles County

What is the need?

Access to resources and technical assistance for food entrepreneurs remains a significant barrier to achieving increased economic viability. Many small business owners struggle to navigate procurement processes, secure funding, and meet compliance requirements, limiting their ability to grow and thrive. Diaspora Groceries recognized this need through their community outreach and needs assessments, where over 70% of respondents identified a lack of technical assistance as a primary barrier to market entry. 

Technical assistance provided

Through the support of the Southwest Regional Food Business Center (SWRFBC) grant, Diaspora Groceries launched a Technical Assistance Program tailored to food entrepreneurs in areas where access to This program provides workshops on procurement processes, guidance on obtaining necessary certifications, and one-on-one coaching to help entrepreneurs prepare for larger market opportunities.

To date, Diaspora Groceries has engaged 50 entrepreneurs in workshops and provided 15 businesses with personalized technical assistance. They have partnered with community organizations and local consultants to deliver accessible resources. Additionally, Diaspora Groceries has created a comprehensive guide for food entrepreneurs to help them meet eligibility requirements for grants and procurement opportunities, which has been distributed to over 100 participants. 

Impact on SWRFBC clients

This Food Entrepreneur initiative has made a tangible difference for participants. Apryl Sims, the owner of Apryl’s Life in a Bottle cold-pressed juices, is a shining example of the profound impacts. Apryl received technical assistance from Diaspora Groceries, which helped her complete her business plan and refine her product pitch. She participated in the Business Builder Pitch Competition, where her hard work paid off—Apryl won the competition and secured a contract to supply 100 bottles of her juices to a local store in South Los Angeles. This milestone marked a turning point in her business journey, demonstrating how tailored support and opportunities can transform a food entrepreneur’s trajectory. 

More broadly, 85% of workshop attendees reported an increased understanding of procurement requirements and business scalability. Another participant, a small food vendor specializing in Afro-Caribbean cuisine, secured their first wholesale partnership after completing the program. These successes highlight how the initiative is fostering economic growth within the community, equipping food entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive. 

By promoting support mechanisms that increase economic viability, Diaspora Groceries are creating pathways for wealth-building and helping to circulate economic resources for all, furthering SWRFBC’s mission of accelerating a resilient, diverse and competitive local and regional food systems by improving opportunities for food businesses.