Minority businesses are destined to fail within their first 18 months due to economic barriers, limited access to business networks, skill development and racial disparity. In addition, communities of color are often plagued with health disparities of lifestyle-related chronic diseases and misrepresentation in health-related research. These leading factors make evident that there is a critical need to have equal opportunity and funding for RDNs/NDTRs of color to start their own private practices with culturally appropriate wellness programs in minority communities.

Since these communities are commonly faced with inadequate access to nutrition resources, culturally tailored nutrition businesses are needed and have an opportunity to become successful because entrepreneurs of color can resonate with diverse communities through shared cultural experiences while addressing barriers to healthy eating. This panel demonstrates a wide range of concepts, skills, and fundamental steps of designing a wellness business plan that is sustainable, scalable and repeatable to improve nutrition education, resources and eating habits of underserved communities.