Big Tex Business Masterclass Application

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 7-10 businesses will have classroom, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities for growth and exposure to the industry.

Important Dates

• April 7: Applications are due by 5:00 p.m.

• April 13: Taste Testing 

• April 17: Applicants are notified 

• June 1: Big Tex Masterclass sessions begin 

• June 15: Masterclass session 

• June 29: Masterclass session 

• July 13:  Masterclass session 

• July 27:  Masterclass session 

• August 10: Masterclass session 

• August 24: Masterclass session 

• September 7: Masterclass session 

• September 14 – 21: Participants are paired with Vendor Mentors 

• September 29 through October 22: 2023 State Fair of Texas 

• November 2: Big Tex Masterclass Graduation Ceremony 

Big Tex Business Masterclass

Name(Required)

What Type of Business Do You Run?(Required)

Chief Operating Officer's Title(Required)

Mailing Address(Required)

Please include their name, phone number, and your relationship to the contact.

Business References

Please list three references and include their name and contact number.

Personal References

Please list three references and include their name and contact number.

Food Description

Please be as descriptive as possible on food and preparation methods. If you have a special name for your product, please include a description of the product. Please include pictures of the products.

Important: Total photo files uploaded cannot exceed 25 MB in size. Your application may not be delivered if files totalling 25 MB or more are uploaded.
Max. file size: 25 MB.

Have you previously operated a temporary food and beverage stand?(Required)

Acknowledgement
If selected, you agree to attend all sessions listed on the syllabus* either in person or via Zoom and participate in shadowing/a mentoring program with a current State Fair of Texas vendor during the run of the 2023 State Fair, as well as graduation on November 2, 2023. Syllabus course meeting dates in-person or by Zoom: June 1, June 15, July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24, September 7, and November 3, 2023.