Giving Wings to Food Entrepreneur Dreams

Inspired by La Cocina in San Francisco – one of the most successful kitchen incubators in the United States – The Kitchen Project is a partnership set up by Auckland’s urban regeneration agency, Panuku Development Auckland and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) with support from Healthy Families South Auckland and Healthy Families Waitakere.Essentially, it is a part-time 26-week programme that covers everything from regulations, food safety and business planning, to finance, branding and marketing. What makes the program really stand out is the access it provides to its cohort and alumni to dedicated commercial kitchens thereby addressing one of the biggest hurdle food entrepreneurs face in their early days.Another unique aspect about the program is its commitment to celebrating the diversity of Auckland’s vibrant community.Many of their alumni include business owners that have chosen to make New Zealand their home and don’t have the built-in support networks that come with living in the same place for decades. The Kitchen Project holds their hands and providers not only strategic mentorship but practical guidance and access to their valuable networks. Carmel’s Israeli Street Food, Sweet and Me, The Red Hot Kiwi Company and Banu’s Spices are just a few of their alumni that are today successfully selling their delicious food to Aucklanders thanks to The Kitchen ProjectJoining us on this episode is TeReina Norton, Founder of The Little Plant Pantry who is also an alumnus of The Kitchen Project. Using the training and mentorship of program, Te Reina now makes and delivers delicious plant-based meals and treats to homes all over Auckland. In her own words, “In 25 weeks I have gone from being a stay at home mom who likes to cook and has an idea to being a business owner”.On our episode we talk about:Why is The Kitchen Project focused on West and South Auckland communities?How a business incubator can help celebrate the diversity of Auckland’s communitiesCould a program like this be replicated across NZ?Challenges of growing a business when you don’t have a support networkAddressing one of the biggest barrier to entry, access to a commercial kitchenThe Kitchen Project is currently recruiting for its next cohort: www.thekitchenproject.co.nzTo order some treats from The Little Plant Pantry follow TeReina Norton on Facebook.