OIC Philadelphia is proud to celebrate the successful completion of our pilot Food Entrepreneurship Program, an initiative created to help aspiring food entrepreneurs turn their ideas, talents, and passion into viable businesses.
Throughout the program, participants gained hands-on experience in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, from developing a business concept and understanding operations to strengthening their brand, refining their products, and learning how to confidently present their ideas. More than simply teaching business concepts, the program was designed to give participants opportunities to put those lessons into practice.
That journey began with a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where participants presented their business ideas before a panel of accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders. The experience challenged participants to clearly communicate their vision, receive constructive feedback, and think critically about what it takes to move an idea from concept to execution. Later in the program, participants returned to the Shark Tank to demonstrate their progress, growth, and readiness for their next steps.
Two participants who have continued to put that experience into action are Jasmin Oliver, founder of Margaret’s House, and Alkeria Edwards, founder of Keria Soul Blend.
Jasmin recently hosted her first Margaret’s House pop-up tasting at OIC Philadelphia, introducing guests to her food and the vision behind her growing catering business. Her long-term goal is to eventually take Margaret’s House on the road through a mobile food truck, creating even more opportunities to share her food with communities throughout Philadelphia.
Alkeria also recently hosted her first pop-up event, showcasing Keria Soul Blend, her growing line of seasonings. Guests had the opportunity to purchase her products and sample the seasonings across a variety of dishes, giving Alkeria valuable firsthand experience introducing her brand and products directly to potential customers.
These pop-ups represent exactly what OIC Philadelphia hoped to accomplish through the pilot program: creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to move beyond the classroom and begin testing, refining, and growing their businesses in real-world environments. And there is more to come. Additional pop-up opportunities will continue to provide participants with exposure, customer feedback, and practical experience as they push their entrepreneurial dreams forward.
Although the pilot program has officially concluded, Jasmin and Alkeria’s journey with OIC is not over. Both will begin internships with OIC Philadelphia, providing them with continued exposure and hands-on experience in food catering, business operations, event execution, and the day-to-day responsibilities involved in running a successful food enterprise.
For OIC Philadelphia, investing in entrepreneurship is an important part of our broader commitment to economic mobility. Workforce development creates pathways to employment, but entrepreneurship and business ownership can create pathways to assets, wealth, and opportunities for future generations. Supporting Black entrepreneurs means helping talented individuals build businesses that can generate income, create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and contribute to Philadelphia’s economy.
The momentum continues this fall as Jasmin and Alkeria will both be featured at A Taste of OIC on Wednesday, October 28, where guests will have the opportunity to sample their delicious creations and experience firsthand the businesses they have been working to build. The event will provide another valuable platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, connect with new audiences, and gain real-world exposure as they continue growing their brands.
We are incredibly proud of Jasmin, Alkeria, and every participant who took a chance on their ideas during this inaugural program. Their progress is only the beginning, and we look forward to watching their businesses continue to grow.
The next Food Entrepreneurship Program is scheduled to begin in March 2027, creating a new opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to take their ideas from concept to action—and continue building the next generation of Philadelphia businesses.
