Catering Accelerator Program
The City of Boston is partnering with Prepshift to offer a free 8-week Catering Accelerator Program designed specifically for Boston restaurant owners who want to grow the catering side of their existing food business.
Whether your restaurant is just getting started with catering or looking to take your existing catering to the next level, the City of Boston Catering Accelerator Program will give you the tools, knowledge, and support to increase your revenue through catering during this eight-week program led by Prepshift.
The deadline to apply to the Catering Accelerator Program is Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 12 pm. If you have any questions, please email hello@prepshift.co for support.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This eight-week program includes four workshops, two working sessions, and regular drop-in office hours. Interactive workshops reinforce and connect educational concepts through foodservice-specific examples and Prepshift's industry experience. Working sessions allow peer-learning, and office hours will provide additional and flexible time for participants to connect with the Prepshift team. At the end of the program, participants will have a catering-focused action plan with concrete next steps and KPIs.
This program is designed for Boston restaurant owners with established businesses who are ready to grow. We especially encourage applications from women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other underrepresented business owners.
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 12 pm APPLY FOR THE PROGRAMProgram Information
Program InformationThis program is designed for Boston restaurant owners with established businesses who are ready to grow. We especially encourage applications from women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other underrepresented business owners.
Businesses interested in applying to the Catering Accelerator program must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Brick & mortar restaurant located in the City of Boston
- Currently offers catering
- In business a minimum of 2 years
- Owner available to attend all sessions
- Annual business revenue of $350k or more - you will be asked to provide a 2025 estimated P&L
The time commitment for all participants of the Catering Accelerator Program is as follows:
- 4 workshops (2 hours each) - Learn key catering business strategies
- 2 working sessions (2 hours each) - Work on your business with peer support
- Weekly office hours - Drop in with questions as needed
- Up to 4 hours of individual coaching - Personalized support for your specific needs
- In-person kick-off session (2 hours) - To take place the week of Feb 16th, 2026
- All other sessions held virtually (online) - To take place from late February through May 2026
Participants in the Catering Accelerator Program will learn:
- How to create profitable catering menus that scale
- Systems and processes to run smooth catering operations
- Marketing and sales strategies to attract corporate and institutional clients
- How to bid on government and large-scale catering contracts
During the program, participants will receive:
- Expert coaching from experienced restaurant owners and operators
- A personalized business health assessment and profit/loss review
- An action plan with concrete steps to grow your catering business
- Connection with other restaurant owners facing similar challenges
- Ongoing support to help you reach your goals
