Empowering through Food Entrepreneurship
The Big Tex Business Masterclass series was created to help increase the number of small business entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. This project is a dynamic education series for entrepreneurs created through partnerships by the State Fair of Texas. The goal of the program is to take existing businesses and educate them on how to implement successful business operations and disciplines while creating a collaboration of networking and providing opportunities for growth and exposure. Completion of the program is not an automatic acceptance to the State Fair of Texas but it allows a behind-the-scenes view and insight into what it takes to be a Food and Beverage Vendor for the State Fair of Texas.
This five-month cohort comprised of 7-15 businesses will have classroom, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities for growth and exposure to the industry.
Important Dates
• May 3: Applications are due by 5:00 p.m.
• May 16: Taste Testing
• May 23: Applicants are notified
• May 30: Big Tex Masterclass sessions begin
• June 13: Masterclass session
• June 27: Masterclass session
• July 11: Masterclass session
• July 25: Masterclass session
• August 06: Masterclass session
• August 22: Big Tex Choice Awards
• September 5: Masterclass session
• September 16 – 20: Participants are paired with Vendor Mentors
• September 27 through October 20, 2024: State Fair of Texas, Vendor Mentor Shadowing
• November 5: Big Tex Masterclass Graduation Ceremony