A simple 3-step process to help you earn trusted recognition for doing things the right way. Designed to highlight what you already do well — and support you where it counts.
Go VIP — just like 1‑2‑3!
The A+ Voluntary Implementation Program (VIP) was created by the New York Food Business Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting quality and excellence across the food sector. This voluntary initiative encourages members to reach the highest standards in food safety, customer service, innovation, sustainability, and overall business practices.
We recommend taking a look at our Success Highlights and Frequently Asked Questions. If you’d like to learn more about what the VIP program is and how it works in greater detail, feel free to scroll down for additional information.
The entire journey can be broken down into three clear steps — and it starts with becoming a member.
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Become a Member
Join us at the Standard or Sponsored level to unlock A+ VIP access. It only takes a few moments!
Make sure to check the VIP box during your application!
Complete the A+ Assessment
Form
You will see a button here to complete the A+ assessment once you join us at the Standard or Sponsored leveI.
If any issues come up, our coach will reach out and support you until you succeed!
Get Your A+ Certificate
>>
Once your answers are reviewed and approved, your formal A+ certificate will be mailed to you.
Nothing else is required — just wait and celebrate!
For quick answers and examples of what A+ VIP means in action, see our FAQ and Success Highlights.
In Depth: How the A+ VIP Program Works
Program Background and Purpose
The A+ VIP program was developed by the New York Food Business Association (NYFBA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting small and medium food businesses.
This internal program was created to encourage continuous growth, practical excellence, and public trust — without replicating or replacing any government certification. Participation is completely optional and available only to members at the Standard or Sponsored level.
A+ VIP is not a rating or a regulatory tool. It’s a voluntary pathway for businesses that want to go further than the minimum — and be recognized for it.
Program Goals and Values
A+ VIP is not just a one-time form or a technical checklist. It’s a structured approach that encourages thoughtful, high-quality business practices in areas like food safety, customer service, innovation, sustainability, and responsible operations. While ethics are part of the picture, the focus is broader — on how your business functions day to day.
This is not a single event, but an ongoing program. From time to time, we may send out short follow-up assessments — typically once a year or once every two years — or more often if industry rules change or new circumstances arise.
Many members find the process both useful and encouraging. Customers appreciate seeing a visible mark of extra care. Staff feel proud to be part of something recognized. And business owners often describe the experience as a moment of reflection and renewed clarity.
You can explore real-world examples in our Success Highlights section.
How the Process Works
We’ve designed the A+ VIP process to be as simple and structured as possible — just three clear steps. Below is a more detailed explanation of each one.
Become a Member
If you’re not yet a member, you’ll need to complete the application form and join at either the Standard or Sponsored level. If you’re currently enrolled as a Starter member, you’ll need to upgrade your membership to be eligible for VIP. When applying or upgrading, be sure to check the VIP box to let us know you’d like to participate. This checkbox helps us keep the program fully optional — NYFBA members are never required to take part in the A+ VIP process unless they choose to.
Complete the A+ Assessment Form
Once your membership is confirmed, you’ll receive a digital form containing multiple-choice questions. The questions are broad in scope, but they focus on the kind of awareness and practices any responsible food operator is expected to maintain. Some questions ask for your best answer; others ask you to affirm your alignment with specific values and commitments.
Most participants say this assessment takes no more than 15–20 minutes. If English isn’t your first language, it may take a bit longer — but in general, our goal is to keep it under 30 minutes for the average user.
Get Your A+ Certificate (Review and Follow-Up)
As soon as we receive your responses, they are reviewed against our internal benchmarks. If they meet the threshold, you’ll move forward and receive your certificate. If any areas require closer attention, one of our experienced coaches will contact you within a week.
At this stage, there’s nothing more you need to do — your certificate will either be mailed to you, or one of our friendly team members will be in touch to guide you forward. And remember: hearing from a coach doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it simply means you’ll get a bit of extra support to help you complete the process smoothly. Everything is simple, supportive, and clearly structured.
For a closer look at how each part of the process works — including coaching, timing, and question types — see our Frequently Asked Questions.
What Happens If You Don’t Pass?
Not passing the A+ form on your first try is perfectly okay — this isn’t a test you either “pass” or “fail” in the traditional sense. We don’t disqualify or penalize anyone for needing support. The program is built around the idea of helping every member succeed, not filtering people out.
If your responses fall short of our benchmark, you’ll be connected with one of our professional, friendly coaches at no extra cost. Within a few days, they’ll contact you to discuss your preferred method of communication — for example, phone, messaging app, or email — and find a convenient time to talk. Together, you’ll go over the areas that need improvement and agree on a timeline and approach that fits your situation.
After the coaching session, you’ll be invited to take the assessment again. Your coach will work with you until you’re fully ready to complete the process successfully — the goal is always to help you reach the level required. And since this is an ongoing program, the same level of support will be available in the future, should any new assessments arise.
The only time we may pause your progress is if there’s no sign of real commitment to the program’s values and basic standards. Fortunately, such cases are extremely rare. In nearly every case, our coaches help members get through the process with clarity and confidence.
If you’re curious about how this part of the process works in more detail, we recommend checking our Frequently Asked Questions.
What the Certificate Is — and What It Means
The A+ Certificate is a printed document sent by mail. It shows the name of your business and a unique identifier to confirm it belongs to your operation. If you’re still planning your business and don’t yet have a legal name, you can request the certificate to display your intended business name — or your personal name, if preferred.
It is not a rating or regulatory certificate. It does not reflect an official government inspection or certification, nor does it replicate or replace any regulatory requirement. It is not a sign that your business has been evaluated by authorities — and it should not be presented as such.
What it does represent is your active participation in the A+ VIP program and your commitment to going above and beyond the baseline. It reflects alignment with the principles of the New York Food Business Association and signals dedication to high standards across the board — from food safety to customer service and general business practices.
It is a visible way to show that your business is voluntarily striving for more — more care, more quality, more integrity — even where the law stops. You can display the certificate in your storefront, on your website, on your menu, or anywhere your customers might see it.
Many customers respond positively to this visible signal. Staff, too, often feel more motivated to maintain high standards when they know their workplace has been publicly recognized for going the extra mile. And business owners have told us that the process itself — and the certificate that follows — helps them reflect on their direction and take pride in their progress.
For details on how certificates are issued, what rules apply, and how continued participation is maintained, please see our Terms and Conditions.
Important Clarifications
The A+ Certificate is not a government license or regulatory approval. It does not replace or override any requirements from the Department of Health or other agencies.
Participation in the A+ VIP program is entirely voluntary. It is an internal recognition program created by the New York Food Business Association and is available only to NYFBA members.
Being a member does not require you to take part in the A+ VIP program. Supporting the association as a member is already a meaningful contribution, and participation in this program is an optional path for those who wish to demonstrate a deeper level of commitment.
To learn more, please refer to the A+ Voluntary Implementation Program’s Frequently Asked Questions and Terms and Conditions.
