Feeding Anchors:
Creating Pathways to Catering Success
Connecting Caterers
to New Customers
The Feeding Anchors program combines comprehensive training, relationship building, and ongoing support to help established caterers expand into institutional markets. Our participants gain more than just technical skills—they join a supportive community of food entrepreneurs committed to each other's success.
Our Approach
At Center for Community Wealth (CCW), we're transforming the landscape by partnering with anchor institutions (such as universities, hospitals, and local governments) and local, small catering businesses. We work from both sides: helping institutions become more small business-friendly while providing caterers with the tools, training, and connections they need to succeed with institutional customers.
Creating Market Opportunities
Our institutional partners host regular meetings and events throughout the year, creating repeat business opportunities for local caterers. We help these organizations develop inclusive purchasing practices while supporting caterers in understanding and meeting the specific operational, insurance, and capacity requirements of large institutions.
Showcase Your Excellence
The program culminates in our annual Eat.Local.Food. Tasting Event, Metro Denver's premier networking opportunity connecting institutional buyers with local caterers. Each year, nearly 200 staff from hospitals, universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations attend this structured showcase to discover new catering partners and experience their specialties firsthand.
Successful graduates join our Curated Caterer List, accessed regularly by institutional partners seeking reliable local vendors for their events and meetings. This exclusive listing creates ongoing opportunities to build relationships and do business with major institutions and organizations across the region.
Is This Program Right for You?
Feeding Anchors is designed for established catering businesses ready to expand into institutional markets. Successful participants typically have:
A minimum annual revenue of $25,000
Two or more years in business
Professional business systems including website, online menu, and invoicing
Commitment to excellence and growth
Don't meet all requirements? Contact us to explore other support options for your business.
