We had the good fortune of connecting with PlateConnect and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi PlateConnect, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

With the goal of reducing food waste, PlateConnect was started by 4 founding members who realized how deep the issue was present in America. To start on the right track, PlateConnect applied to be a part of the Bizworld YES! Incubator program which helped curate the right strategy, develop a sustainable business model, and connect with a network of mentors and partners who could help them scale their operations. Still being a part of the Bizworld YES! Incubator program, they have access to access to valuable resources and knowledge that help them refine their value proposition and make a meaningful impact in the battle against food waste. PlateConnect is still in its early stages and actively engaging with various stakeholders such as food suppliers, restaurants, and non-profit organizations to create partnerships and build a network that will support its mission.

What should our readers know about your business?
PlateConnect is a platform that combats food waste and insecurity by linking restaurants, grocery stores, food banks, and charities effortlessly. Motivated by the significant food waste in the United States, they aim to establish a sustainable system for redistributing excess food to the needy. Their 24/7 accessible services enable users to donate, understand their mission, connect with food banks or donors based on real-time algorithms and location, create an account, and explore their app. PlateConnect empowers restaurants and grocery stores to donate surplus food with ease. PlateConnect is able to differentiate itself from its competitors by attacking food waste with a technological-based solution that is centered around a supply-and-demand/matching algorithm. Additionally, to become more scalable, PlateConnect will implement AI by using public domain software available at Github and other open source websites to make PlateConnect national and ultimately global. Their company aims to have around 30 donors and 5-8 local food banks. They also hope to create a potential partnership with PostMates that would allow them to increase scalability further than just their local area (Frisco, Texas).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Start your week by visiting the Dallas Museum of Art, followed by a delicious dinner at Pecan Lodge, known for its amazing BBQ. Day 2: Spend the day at the Dallas World Aquarium and then head to Deep Ellum for some live music and drinks.
Day 3: Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a relaxing day outdoors, followed by dinner at the Trinity Groves area.
Day 4: Explore the Bishop Arts District for unique shops and art galleries, then have dinner at Lockhart Smokehouse.
Day 5: Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, followed by a meal at the iconic Reunion Tower’s Five Sixty restaurant.
Day 6: Spend the day at the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park for thrilling rides and entertainment.
Day 7: End your week with a visit to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, followed by a farewell dinner at The Rustic.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We would love to dedicate a great amount of our success to the Bizworld YES! program as they have taught the PlateConnect team valuable skills in entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and business development. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges of starting a business, from legal and financial considerations to marketing and operations. The network of mentors and fellow entrepreneurs we have met through the program has also been invaluable, providing us with insights, advice, and connections that have helped us grow and improve our business. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Bizworld YES! program and for the positive impact, it has had on our journey so far.

Website: http://www.theplateconnect.com/

Instagram: @plate_connect

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plateconnect/

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