Food System 6 Accelerator Grows Leadership Team to Meet Growing Demand for Entrepreneur Support

The FS6 team welcomes two new members as they expand their capacity for supporting a food and agriculture industry hit hard by COVID-19

Food System 6 (FS6) has brought two new leadership roles to the organization to meet a growing demand for entrepreneurial support in the food and agriculture ecosystem. After a tumultuous year, the need to deploy resources, mentorship, and investment into early-stage food businesses is more pronounced than ever and FS6 is strategically positioned to meet those needs. 

“As we see the consequences from our industrialized food system laid bare, the demand from impact-driven food entrepreneurs across the country is at an all-time high,” says Caesare Assad, FS6 CEO.“Expanding our team will exponentially increase our capacity at FS6 to take on the most pressing challenge of our time – building a just and vibrant food system that is centered around people and rooted in community.”

The organization has brought on a Chief Operations Officer – Patrick Ahern – to manage the infrastructure of scaling their organization; as well as a Director of Strategic Development – Kim Karris – to support the growing network of donors and supporters joining the cause. Both Patrick and Kim come to FS6 with a robust background in sustainable food systems and resource development. As the team grows, Food System 6 will be able to increase their offerings to early-stage entrepreneurs, engage more funders around new investment models and amplify collective efforts to create more sustainable and more equitable food systems across the US and around the world. More background can be found at www.foodsystem6.org/team. 

“FS6 is strategically positioned to scale its impact and meet the growing demand for entrepreneurial support,” says Patrick Ahern. “As Chief Operations Officer, I look forward to supporting the team in building out and streamlining the systems, processes, and infrastructure to actualize this potential.”  

These new hires come just in time for the upcoming FS6 fundraising and forum event on June 22nd, “Innovating for Impact: Solutions for a Sixth Food System.” Under the leadership of the newly expanded team, FS6 is launching a fundraising campaign for $250,000 to support the build-out of a community-supported accelerator program in 2022. This fundraise will seed the vision to expand the robust network of resources, support, training, and community building FS6 provides to entrepreneurs solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges – such as food waste, food insecurity, climate change, and pollution.  

“We are closer than ever to realizing a sixth food system but it will take more capital and investment for FS6 to meet this critical moment,” says Kim Karris. “I am excited to help expand our network of donors, strengthen our partnerships and work together to support our next cohort of food system innovators.”  

To learn more about the Food System 6 Accelerator program and how to get involved, join them on June 22nd for their Forum event, “Innovating for Impact: Solutions for a Sixth Food System.” As you register for your ticket, you can help seed their vision for community-sponsored cohorts by making a donation. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovating-for-impact-solutions-for-a-sixth-food-system-tickets-152134184441

 

ABOUT FOOD SYSTEM 6 (FS6) 

Food System 6 (FS6) is a non-profit business accelerator whose mission is to support impact-driven entrepreneurs as they transform how we grow, produce, and distribute food. The organization runs a comprehensive program that mentors entrepreneurs by coaching them through a wide range of business and organizational needs. FS6 also works to educate stakeholders on the unique capital needs as related to redefining the food system. FS6 has supported seven cohorts / 51 companies, of which 30% are non-profit, 50% are female-founded, and 40% are BIPOC led or BIPOC serving. The FS6 portfolio represents 21 US States, 6 countries, and boasts a 90% survival rate since 2014. Additional information on the FS6 portfolio can be found here: https://www.foodsystem6.org/portfolio.html.

Tags: Sustainability, entrepreneurship, startup, food funder, Impact Investing, social impact, SDG, agriculture, Growth, accelerator, fundraiser, New Hire, food and ag, COVID, food system

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