Great kitchen incubators as economic development facilitators. The Agurban from Boomtown Institute

In my travels across the nation, I’ve seen (and tasted the results of) some great kitchen incubators. Michigan has recognized the importance of these entrepreneurial entities. The Starting Block, Michigan’s first shared-use kitchen incubator, recently became functional. With a Department of Agriculture license, the kitchen is ready to use by anyone interested in preparing and packaging food products or starting a food or natural resource business. The Starting Block is West Michigan’s Regional Kitchen Incubator and Entrepreneurial Center located in Hart, Oceana County, and serves the 8 counties from Manistee to Holland.

The Starting Block “incubates” and supports the entrepreneurial spirit by providing a shared-use kitchen, office and meeting space, and storage space at low rates, with a professional support network to support new business ideas. The Starting Block helps entrepreneurs start and/or expand their food-related businesses at reasonable rentals without the initial investment of costly facilities and equipment.

The Starting Block Incubator offers:

A Commercial Kitchen – Kitchen usage fees range from $10 per hour for food packaging and tabletop use (mixing spices and dry mixes) to $15 per hour for baking, catering, and steam kettle processing. Certified staff in food handling and equipment operation is available for assistance and training.

Office Rental – A 90 square foot office rents for $110 per month and a 225 square foot office for $275 per month, and includes a computer with wireless internet access, local phone, conference room, and office support.

Education – Networking and individual business guidance are offered, along with classes such as: Small Business Management, Marketing, and Food Business. Expert resources of Michigan State University’s Product Center, and Food Science, Food Packaging, and Business Schools, and the University of Michigan are available.

Warehouse & Storage – Dry pallet storage is available at the rate of $10 per month for non- secured dry storage, and $15 per month for secured dry storage. Refrigerator and freezer storage rents for $1.50 per cubic foot per month and $32.50 per pallet per month.

Community Partners – Initial funding for The Starting Block came from a federal USDA Rural Development grant, and state grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and MIFFS. Without these partners, The Starting Block could not operate.

These offerings are similar to most kitchen incubators I’ve seen. What would it take to start a kitchen incubator in your community? Not much when you consider the immense benefits to your entrepreneurs and thus to your community. Are you incubating the Mrs. Fields or Ben & Jerry’s of tomorrow? You very easily could be.

For more information or for scheduling, contact The Starting Block, 231-873-1432 or [email protected].

The Blog Log

Visit my weblog to see where I’ve been and what I have learned along the way. This week I blogged on the “Napa Valley of Cheese" A.K.A Clark County, WI, and the challenges that rural communities in Wisconsin face. http://www.boomtowninstitute.com

Putting my Feet to Rest (For the Holidays)
I will be off of the traveling circuit for the next couple of weeks in order to celebrate this joyous season with my family. My speaking tour will ramp up once again on January 5th, 2007 as I make my way to Great Falls, MT.

Note: This is the last Agurban of 2006! Happy Holidays from Boomtown Institute and look for your next edition of the Agurban on Tuesday, January 9, 2007.

Perfect for Christmas Gift Giving! Boomtown Institute’s ABC Volume One, Enriching Your Community One Letter at a Time! Order today at http://www.boomtowninstitute.com. Quantity discounts available!

Jack Schultz is the CEO of Boomtown Institute and Agracel Inc., an industrial development firm majoring in rural America, author of Boomtown USA, and speaker. Boomtown Institute serves as an economic development mentor to communities across the United States, leading communities to realize their full potential.

Visit the Boomtown Institute website at http://www.boomtowninstitute.com

Keep up with Jack as he tours the country on his blog!
To learn more about Agracel visit http://www.agracel.com.

email: [email protected]
phone: 217-342-3000
web: http://www.boomtowninstitute.com