Success Story: Alive Ferments

Tradition Meets Technology: Alive Ferments Scales with SBDC and AI Tools

Location: Southern California | San Diego County | San Diego

Business Type: Fermented Foods Manufacturer

Small Business Center: San Diego & Imperial SBDC

Assistance Received: Financing/Capital Access, E-Commerce, AI Tools and Digital Marketing

California State Assembly District: 77 

California State Senate District: 39

Visit Alive Ferments online

Alive Ferments, a San Diego-based small business founded in 2020, is rooted in a philosophy of simplicity, tradition, and living food. Inspired by a childhood in southern Tuscany and California, founder Niccolo Fraschetti watched his mother keep a living crock of fermented food on the kitchen counter, with food shared freely among neighbors. That early exposure to fermentation as alive, effortless, and enduring laid the groundwork for Alive Ferments, a company focused on preserving goodness and keeping food alive. 

As the business entered a new phase of growth, Niccolo partnered with the San Diego & Imperial SBDC for guidance and support. During this period, Alive Ferments secured $350,000 in capital funding and obtained two trademarks, strengthening both its financial position and brand identity. The company also adjusted its workforce strategy, adding seven part-time roles while reducing one full-time position to stay agile. 

A key factor in that growth was Alive Ferments’ participation in the SBDC’s AI training programs. Niccolo completed a two-week Marketing Bootcamp and attended workshops including “Faster and More Effective Social Media Marketing with AI” and “Creating Impactful Content for Marketing with AI.” 

Alive Ferments has since incorporated AI into its daily operations, including copywriting, social media strategy, and content creation. The shift has helped the business sharpen its marketing, maintain a consistent voice, and reach more customers effectively. Niccolo credits AI with helping the team save time while producing more impactful and engaging content. 

Alive Ferments blends tradition with innovation, an approach that has turned its roots into a modern, scalable business while staying true to its original goal of keeping food alive and accessible. With a stronger brand, a larger team, and smarter AI-driven marketing, the company is positioned to grow and share its vision with a broader audience. 

Visit Alive Ferments online to learn more. 

And if you are interested in starting, or growing, a business in San Diego or Imperial County, connect with the San Diego & Imperial SBDC to learn about their no-cost advising, training programs, and business development resources.

7/28/2026