More than a few Detroit ventures give tech startups a first-stage boost with coaching, collaborative spaces and venture capital. Now there's a new one for entrepreneurs who work with edible bites rather than electronic bytes.
Eastern Market Corporation and FoodLab Detroit, a network of entrepreneurs, last week launched Detroit Kitchen Connection. It will connect a dozen food product creators and commercial kitchens available for outsiders.
The idea is to close a critical gap between business ideas and a way to prepare products for wholesale distribution and sales beyond farmers' markets or roadside stands. That jump requires a state-licensed commercial kitchen approved for sanitation, safe storage and other standards.
Amy Haimerl profiles the collaboration and its leaders -- Jess Daniel and Devita Davison -- in Crain's this week:
The one-year pilot program will place 12 food entrepreneurs into two area commercial kitchens: Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral in southwest Detroit and Matrix Human Services in the Osborn neighborhood on the east side. The program will also offer business-development services and assistance with licensing and insurance.
"One of the great things about Kitchen Connect is the opportunity to take advantage of kitchens that are already in Detroit neighborhoods, sitting idle, and activate the space," said Davison, 40.
Devita Davison spoke at a June discussion for food entrepreneurs hosted by Creative Mornings/Detroit. [Facebook photo]
Operators of nearly three dozen kitchens expressed interest, Haimerl writes, until the women said they wouldn't get rent -- just a utility stipend to offset increased gas, electric and water bills.
"Once we let folks know that this is a mission and not a revenue-generator, some were interested and others decided it wasn't for them," Davison said.
The Crain's writer also speaks with two applicants -- a Detroit tea entrepreneur and a Farmington pepper sauce maker.
Detroit Kitchen Connection earns earlier coverage by Nick Andersen in Eater Detroit, by Amanda Lewan in Michipreneur and by Nicole Rupersberg at Model D.
The new organization, based at Eastern Market, has a 13-page information and application PDF for prospective kitchen users.
It also plans quarterly meetings of "kitchen allies" with space to share or similar projects in the Great Lakes region. A schedule is here.
