Free new tools and services include AURI’s Virtual Assistant, food business toolbox, and expert office hours
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is launching a new food business landing page to highlight the expanded support options available to food business entrepreneurs.
“With over 60 combined years of food business industry experience, our staff is excited to share its knowledge more widely to expand the agricultural economy,” says Jason Robinson, director of business development, food, at AURI. “One way we do this is by helping transform the Midwest’s rich agricultural resources into sustainable food businesses. We’re eager to offer emerging food entrepreneurs the resources and support they need, when they need them, in order for their businesses to grow and thrive.”
The new landing page highlights three expanded tools and services that are free to the public:
”Ask an AURI Expert” Open Office Hours. For the first time, group consultations with an AURI food scientist will be offered to entrepreneurs via Zoom. Attendees will register in advance for scheduled office hours occurring from 4-5 p.m. on the second Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month. An AURI food scientist will kick off each session with a few minutes of prepared content based on pre-submitted questions or requested topics, and then will answer questions in an open question and answer format.
AURI’s Virtual Assistant, AVA. AURI recently launched a cutting-edge, web-based tool that blends human expertise with intuitive AI technology called AURI’s Virtual Assistant, or AVA. Designed to be easy to use, AVA offers 24/7 access to customizable and reliable information that is curated from food science experts, business advisors, and other scientifically based or trusted sources.
The Food Business Toolbox. This new series of both short-form and long-form online guides provides answers to frequently asked questions about food science, safety, and business challenges.
“We know entrepreneurs have a lot on their to-do lists, so we want to offer multiple ways for them to gather the accurate, scientific, and factual information they need to be successful,” says Lolly Occhino, senior food scientist at AURI.
Licensed food businesses needing in-depth assistance from AURI experts can purchase service packages that provide individualized business development or technical support. Customized projects are available on a case-by-case basis, along with project cost-sharing for Minnesota-based businesses.
For more information about the expanded offerings through AURI, visit the new food business landing page at https://auri.org/focus-areas/food/.
ABOUT AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the expansion of the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It collaborates globally, acts regionally, and is known as an economic catalyst for Minnesota with a focus on bioindustrial products and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance, and a targeted network across the value chain to foster collaboration. To learn more, visit auri.org.
