who

We are seeking visionary startup chefs, restaurant innovators, CPG founders, or wine and beverage candidates to join our Spring 2025 cohort. This program is meant for first-time restaurant ventures, chef-driven startups, food trucks, and small businesses operating on limited capital. Candidates will be selected based on the uniqueness of their concept and the socio-economic context from which they emerge.

WHAT

The First Course is a new kind of program that combines knowledge sharing, community building and graphic design services into 3 months of zoom cohorts and individual meetings. Please note: If you would like to receive design deliverables, choose from our menu items or you can attend the free zoom meetings.

WHY

In today’s uncertain climate, amid evolving government policies and shifting community dynamics we remain committed to empowering emerging culinary innovators. We think the cohort model will build new kinds of relationships and bring forth unique learning outcomes.

HOW

We will explore the process of crafting a compelling visual identity through real-world case studies and a Q&A with our expert graphic design studio. During the second week "Consultation and Scoping" we can discuss your project and you can choose from one of the menu items (Starter, Entree, Main, Full Course or ala-carte) which will put you on track to receiving completed design files by the end of June. Even if you choose to not engage our services, you can still attend the free meetings but you have to be accepted into the cohort by filling out the form below.
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By the program's end, participants will have a new creative ready to launch, plus a month of coaching and support through July. This offer is reserved for a select group of emerging culinary innovators and is not intended to replace our full, bespoke branding services.

WHEN

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Design Presentations require a menu item purchase.
Free Session (details)

April 03. Intro to Branding & Community Building
Format: Group Session

Overview of Marketing & Design Terms: Provide a survey of essential branding/marketing concepts (e.g., logos vs. brand identity, typography, color theory).
Examples & Inspiration: Show case studies or quick examples from Common Space’s portfolio that illustrate key points.
Participant Introductions: Each person shares their concept or existing business, fostering a sense of community and collective goals.
Outcome: Everyone leaves with a baseline understanding of branding terminology and a feel for the group’s diverse projects.

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April 10. Consultation & Scoping (One-on-One)
Format: Individual Meetings (scheduled on or around April 10)

Identify Needs & Budgets: Each participant meets privately with you/your team to discuss specific challenges, desired outcomes, and budget parameters.
Explore Packages: Introduce the “menu” of Starter, Entrée, Main, and Full Course (or equivalent) packages.
Define Next Steps: Pin down the immediate priorities for each business and outline a plan for deliverables.
Outcome: Clear direction on which package or design approach suits each participant’s goals and resources.

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May 08. Consistent Branding Across Surfaces
Format: Group Session

Brand Consistency & Application: How to maintain cohesive design across print, packaging, signage, digital platforms, and more.
AI & Emerging Tools: Briefly discuss how artificial intelligence (and other new tech) can streamline or enhance design processes, and how to use them responsibly.
Open Discussion/Workshop: Encourage questions on how participants can apply these principles to their own brands.
Outcome: Participants gain practical tips for building a seamless brand experience across all touchpoints, plus an introduction to leveraging AI tools.

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May 22. Marketing, Websites & Social Media
Format: Group Session

Web Presence: Discuss the pros and cons of template vs. custom websites, key user experience principles, and integrating brand identity online.
Social Media Strategy: Explore best practices for building and engaging an audience, from content planning to storytelling.
Measurement & Growth: Touch on basic metrics to gauge success and refine strategies over time.
Outcome: Participants learn how to create or refine a strong digital presence, ensuring consistent brand messaging across web and social platforms.

Notes/Considerations:

Paid Deliverables: After the one-on-one consultations, participants can decide whether to proceed with specific packages (Starter, Entrée, Main, etc).
Flexibility: We will make a bit of room in each session for Q&A, ensuring participants can ask follow-up questions about their unique situations.
Design Presentations: This is when designs for each individual will be presented to each individual participant.