SDA Helps 15 Food Business Owners Obtain ServSafe Certification with 100% Passing Rate
The Southland Development Authority (SDA), working alongside the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), recently helped small food business owners in the Southland suburbs secure their ServSafe Manager’s Certification at no cost. This initiative worked to remove financial barriers and helped businesses stay compliant with Illinois’ sometimes complex health and safety regulations. The training was open to first-time test takers and those needing recertification.
Food business owners face a pretty significant hurdle in getting a ServSafe certification. But it is a legal requirement and must be done, meaning overcoming those hurdles is paramount. The SDA, through its IRA partnership, was able to cover several certification costs for qualifying participants. With the IRA on hand to facilitate the training, everyone in attendance had what they needed to meet those state guidelines and keep their businesses running smoothly. The IRA provided its expertise and made sure the course met all industry standards.
One of the passing business owners was Kat, who runs SoHo Sweets Creamery & Café in South Holland, Illinois. As it turned out, timing was everything for her certification, as she explained in this heartfelt note to Marisela Zambrano, her relationship manager at SDA: “Marisela, thank you for getting me my chef’s ServSafe certification right on time! I had an inspection today, and your rapid response to my request was able to help me through this inspection process.”
The program also made a big difference for chefs like Nina Palm. Palm saw this as a game-changer for both her career and personal life. She told Marisela: “I am so grateful that I was one of the lucky individuals to experience Southland Development's generosity. I was able to obtain a Manager's Certification at no cost. As a private chef and a single mother, I have to be wise with how I manage my finances, and not having to pay for this expensive certification truly helps beyond words."
Program Outcomes Spanning 15 Individuals
Through the SDA and IRA partnership, a total of 15 individuals from different food businesses successfully completed the certification training. The impact of this effort included:
A perfect 100% passing rate. Yes, every single participant walked away certified.
Full compliance with Illinois food safety laws. No small task, as this keeps the doors open and businesses operational.
Boosted business credibility. Certified food managers can reassure customers and regulatory agencies alike.
For more details on how to get involved in future training programs or if you’re looking to access other business support resources, visit southlanddevelopment.org.
