Feeding Anchors:
Creating Pathways to
Institutional Success

Bridging the Gap for Local Caterers


The Feeding Anchors program combines comprehensive training, relationship building, and ongoing support to help established caterers expand into institutional markets. Our participants gain more than just technical skills—they join a supportive community of food entrepreneurs committed to each other's success.

Our Approach


At Center for Community Wealth (CCW), we're transforming this landscape by working from both sides: helping institutions become more small business friendly while providing caterers with the tools, training, and connections they need to succeed with institutional customers.

Creating Market Opportunities

Our institutional partners host regular meetings and events throughout the year, creating repeat business opportunities for local caterers. We help these organizations develop inclusive procurement practices while supporting caterers in understanding and meeting the specific operational, insurance, and capacity requirements of large institutions.

Showcase Your Excellence

The program culminates in our annual Eat.Local.Food tasting event, Metro Denver's premier networking opportunity connecting institutional buyers with local caterers. Each year, nearly 200 staff from hospitals, universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations attend this structured showcase to discover new catering partners and experience their specialties firsthand.

Successful graduates join our Curated Caterer List, accessed regularly by institutional partners seeking reliable local vendors for their events and meetings. This exclusive listing creates ongoing opportunities to build relationships and do business with major institutions and organizations across the region.

Is This Program Right for You?


Feeding Anchors is designed for established catering businesses ready to expand into institutional markets. Successful participants typically have:
  • A minimum annual revenue of $25,000
  • Two or more years in business
  • Professional business systems including website, online menu, and invoicing
  • Required licenses and insurance ($1M minimum)
  • Commitment to excellence and growth
Don't meet all requirements? Contact us to explore other support options for your business.
For Business OWners

Get support to grow your business or explore employee ownership.

For Anchor Institutions

Partner with us to align your spending with community wealth building.

For Community Members

Invest in transformative economic change.

For Supporters

Invest in transformative economic change

"The Feeding Anchors program helped us scale our operations and secure consistent customers. The support from CCW and connections to other caterers have been invaluable for our growth."

— [Featured Feeding Anchors Graduate]

Ready to transform your catering business?
Take the next step:

Our Small Business Team is here to help:

Karen Bartlett, Small Business Director: karen@communitywealth.org | 303.550.6305

Kimberly Bonner, Small Business Development Manager: kimberly@communitywealth.org | 301.385.0091