Miami Dade College Offers Free Training to Operate a Food Truck

Miami, July 22, 2021Miami Dade College (MDC) has partnered with Brightline, and the Neighbors & Neighbors Association (NANA) to launch The Food Truck Enterprise Program, a free 14-week initiative that prepares participants to operate a food truck business. The program, which is open to residents from specific Miami neighborhoods, also offers the opportunity to compete to purchase or lease a food truck located at the Brightline MiamiCentral train station in Downtown Miami. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. The program begins Sept. 13.

“I’m very proud that Miami Dade College is spearheading this opportunity,” said Shelly Fano, chair of MDC’s Miami Culinary Institute, Hospitality Management Program and executive director of MDC’s Hospitality Institute. “There’s so much for our students to gain from the program.”

Classes will be held at the Wolfson Campus where participants will receive instruction in food safety and sanitation, business operations, marketing, restaurant service, kitchen skills, entrepreneurship and more. Students will take industry-recognized exams offered through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. They will also participate in a competition judged by a panel of industry experts who will select three winners based on a business plan detailing the cuisine, menu, marketing strategy, and designs for the truck, plus a final culinary demonstration. The winners will have the option to buy or lease a food truck.

MDC’s Hospitality Institute provides Miami’s under-represented residents with job opportunities in hospitality and tourism by offering free, hands-on training at various sites. Food truck participants must have previous culinary training or work experience.

NANA is a nonprofit organization that works with Overtown residents. It assists existing businesses and startup businesses through various programs setup to stimulate the economy.  NANA is providing inventory and licenses for the award recipients. Additionally, Brightline will donate three parking spaces for the food trucks at the MiamiCentral train station to help secure an established customer base.

The Food Truck Enterprise Program is funded by Miami-Dade County. Applicants must reside in an eligible zip code. First priority is given to residents of 33136. Second priority is given to residents of 33127, 33142,33147 and 33150.

Apply at the Overtown Business Resource Center, Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at 1490 N.W. Third Ave., Unit 106, Miami, FL 33136.

For more information, please call 786-616-8997 or 305-237-3267.