From Sushi Rolls to $10K in Growth: How One Program Changed Our Business

In 2024, I received an email from the manager of the kitchen space we were renting. It mentioned a program designed specifically for food and beverage business owners — an opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially earn capital.

I applied immediately.

After a competitive application process, we found out that The Sushi Class had been accepted. What followed was one of the most impactful business experiences we’ve had in our three years of ownership.

A Program Built for Food & Beverage Founders

This collaborative program between Santander Bank, Babson College, and Initiative for a Competitive Inner City was specifically designed for food and drink entrepreneurs — which made it even more powerful for us.

There were 100 participants from NY, MA, CT, and RI — all building businesses in our region. From the very first orientation call, we met mentors and instructors from Santander and Babson who would guide us weekly through the cohort.

And they didn’t just skim the surface.

We went deep.

What We Learned

Each week focused on a different pillar of business:

• Narrowing down our target audience

• Strengthening our marketing strategy

• Hiring and operational systems

• Financial management and balance sheets

• Organizing business cash flow

• Understanding funding and capital

Even though we had already been in business for three years, this program sharpened everything. But my favorite part?

The expert breakout sessions.

We were able to choose small group sessions based on what we needed most — marketing, social media, accounting, financial advising. These intimate conversations allowed us to ask real questions about our real business challenges.

We also participated in weekly 1:1 discussions with other founders, answering prompts like:

• What makes your business unique?

• How are you marketing?

• Where are you stuck?

  
  

It was powerful bouncing ideas off other entrepreneurs navigating similar markets.

The Pitch & The Prize

At the end of the program, each business presented a 3-minute pitch and submitted a detailed action plan with guidance from mentors.

Every graduate received a $2,500 grant.

Then at graduation, Santander announced additional award recipients — up to $20,000.

We were beyond honored to be selected for a $10,000 grant.

That funding helped us open our headquarters in Southington — a major milestone for The Sushi Class. That moment wasn’t just financial support.

It was validation.

Why Programs Like This Matter

Entrepreneurship can feel isolating.

Being in a room (virtual and in-person) with 100 founders who understood the highs and lows of running a food business was energizing and empowering.

This program didn’t just teach us business fundamentals.

It gave us:

• Confidence

• Community

• Capital

• Clarity

  
  

Since graduating, I’ve recommended this program to countless food and beverage owners.

If you run a food or drink business — apply. They run two cohorts each year. Opportunities like this truly change the trajectory of businesses.

And we are living proof.