Explore our upcoming events & programs!
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026 | 12:00 –1:00 PM
Many founders assume that getting financing is about finding the right bank, investor, or lender. In reality, the biggest obstacle is often financing readiness.
Drawing on 1,000+ conversations with founders about financing, Keith Kohler has seen many businesses declined before a detailed financial analysis even begins—often because they’re pursuing the wrong type of financing, at the wrong time, or aren’t adequately prepared.
This webinar introduces Financing Readiness™, a practical framework to help founders understand what lenders and investors consider before making financing decisions—and how to position their businesses for stronger outcomes at every stage of growth.
During this webinar, you'll learn:
Why access to financing isn't always the real challenge
What financing readiness means and why it matters
The four pillars of Financing Readiness™
Practical steps you can take now to become more financing ready
Whether you're seeking financing soon or planning for future growth, you'll leave with a clearer perspective on capital and actionable steps to create more financing options.
Following the webinar, attendees will be invited to complete the Financing Readiness™ Assessment to identify strengths, uncover blind spots, and receive personalized guidance on what to focus on next.
Financing Readiness™: Are You Financing Ready?
DEADLINE: To be contracted and paid by October 30, 2026
We are excited to offer an exclusive opportunity for member brands to showcase their products at the SFA Winter Fancy Faire Naturally Chapter Pavilion, taking place on January 17-19, 2027, in San Francisco.
Pavilion Options:
5x10 Tabletops
10x10 Booths
Limited availability!
Application Process & Next Steps:
Apply Below: Spaces are first-come, first-served, and there is limited availability!
Approval & onboarding: Approved brands will receive confirmation via email and be connected with the SFA team to begin onboarding.
Program Criteria:
The Pavilion organization must have an SFA Alliance Membership, and all participants must join SFA membership and obtain Tier 2 (Product Qualification) to exhibit at the Show.
Tabletop participation is limited to two Fancy Food Shows. After two Shows, participants will need to upgrade to a regular size 10x10 booth
DEADLINE: To be contracted and paid by October 30, 2026. Have questions? Email Jill at info@naturallynorcal.org
San Francisco gets fancy again, January 17-19, 2027!
Friday, Nov 6, 2026 | 1:00 –5:00 PM | Center for an Agricultural Economy, Hardwick, VT
Join Naturally New England, the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), and the Vermont Specialty Food Association for an afternoon celebrating the farms, food makers, and beverage producers rooted in New England.
The Day:
Part One (1:00 – 2:00 PM) kicks off with a tour of CAE's Venture Center and its incubator kitchens, followed by a presentation from Jasper Hill. Part Two (2:00 – 5:00 PM) continues with a look at the Food Hub, then opens into the Producer Showcase — networking, light refreshments, and beverages with fellow makers from across the region.
Apply to Showcase:
Producers interested in showcasing can apply now through October 8 (now closed). Applicants will be notified by October 16. Preference is given first to CAE members, then to VTSFA and NNE members.
Rooted in New England
Memory Lane
Check out our past events below!
This year, Fall Fest is taking a new shape — no in-person event, but the celebration everyone looks forward to is still on. The 2026 NNE Pioneer Awards are open for voting now, honoring the brands, founders, and teams pushing New England's natural products industry forward across nine categories. Voting takes just a few minutes and closes September 18th.
Pioneer Awards 2026!
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 1:00 –3:00 PM
Naturally New England is partnering with Chex Finer Foods for an exclusive afternoon designed for emerging and growing CPG brands looking to better understand the distribution landscape.
Founded in 1965, Chex Finer Foods is a third-generation, family-led specialty and natural foods distributor serving 1,000+ retail locations across the Eastern U.S. Known for its collaborative approach, Chex helps brands grow through category expertise, strategic partnerships, and best-in-class service.
The afternoon will feature an intimate fireside chat with Jeremy Isenberg, President & CEO of Chex Finer Foods, covering the evolving distribution landscape, what retailers are looking for today, how brands can position themselves for success, and lessons from decades of helping emerging food companies scale.
Guests will then take a guided tour of Chex’s Mansfield headquarters and distribution facility for a firsthand look at the operations and logistics behind getting specialty products from suppliers to retail shelves. Space is limited to 20 participants. Application deadline is August 28th.
Cost: $30 per person
Selected applicants will receive a confirmation email with registration details by August 31st.
Go Behind the Scenes with Chex Finer Foods
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM ET
How to Align Your Business Around Your Best Customers
Who are you serving, and why do they choose you?
The most successful brands don't grow because they have the best products. They grow because they deeply understand the people they serve and build every aspect of their business around creating value for those customers.
In this interactive session, we'll explore how to uncover the mission of your best customers, translate those insights into a customer-centric marketing strategy, and build the foundation for long-term loyalty, advocacy, and sustainable growth.