Empowering Entrepreneurs in Mobile Food

How much time will participants need to devote to this program?

Being in the program is a full-time job. Entrepreneurs are actively scheduled for approximately 40 hours a week, and should allow an additional 10 hours per week to keep up with off-site administrative work on their concepts. A typical onsite schedule is 7:30 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday.

How much does it cost to enroll?

Nothing! Although entrepreneurs are fully responsible for funding their businesses after graduation, all costs are covered during their tenure in the program. And as employees, they earn a salary comparable to that of Truck Supervisors at The Whole Cart.

What kind of experience does an applicant need?

We only ask that you have a concept in mind that you’re passionate about, and that you’re enthusiastic and excited to learn. Since we’re taking applicants of varying experience levels, we ask that you be willing to invest time reviewing and improving in areas where you might already have experience.

What is the application process?

The written application on this website is just the first of many steps, which include phone calls, presentations, in-person interviews, and a paid hands-on trial period. You can expect to hear back within a week of sending in an application, but the full process will generally take around two months.

So I get to launch my own food truck?

Yep! After a six month period of training and concept development, you’ll operate and supervise your own food truck with your very own concept for a full year on the Google campus. After the initial development period and the successful launch and management of a truck, you’ll complete the program by focusing on the creation of a business and financial plan for a potential future business.

Do I get the truck at the end?

No, you won’t be given the physical truck, but you do get the rights to your business name, logo, and branding, along with a customized business and financial plan.

What are the selection criteria?

We are primarily looking for the traits that we cannot teach. Having worked in kitchens or even on food trucks may make some things easier once you’re in, but our hiring decision will have much more to do with the creativity, adaptability, initiative, and work ethic you demonstrate in the admissions process and in pitching your concept.

How would my time be allocated within the two years?

There is a detailed 24 month curriculum, but it essentially breaks down into three main components:

• 6-8 months of training in the kitchen and on other trucks
• 12-14 months managing your own branded truck
• Remaining months are dedicated to completing a marketing and branding portfolio, finalizing a business plan, and preparing for eventual public sale

Am I committed to the entirety of the program? What happens if I cannot finish the program before the 24 months are over?

Yes, we ask that you complete the entire two year program. This is something we stress early on in the interview process because it’s important that everyone benefits from the full educational experience. If an entrepreneur is unable to achieve the program’s developmental goals in the time allotted, we may determine that Instrucktional is no longer a fit for them.

How many participants will be a part of this program? How many food trucks total?

There are currently eight Entrepreneurs in Instrucktional, five of whom have launched their trucks. Our first graduate will be leaving the nest in February 2018. We aim to bring a total of eight new businesses to market per year.

Where does this program take place? / Where do I need to be geographically to participate?

This position will take place over a large geographical area, which currently includes San Francisco, Hayward, and Mountain View. You must be willing to travel and have reliable transportation to each of these locations.

I have more questions. Who can I contact?

Please don’t hesitate to contact our Program Director at jessica@thewholecart.com.