Early-Stage Food Incubator

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Early-Stage Food Incubator •

“We are thrilled to be one of the seven organizations entrusted with the responsibility of establishing a food incubator program in communities facing unequal food access. Our mission has been to serve underserved communities, which already contend with numerous challenges including food insecurity. This invaluable funding opportunity enables us to further our mission of empowering aspiring entrepreneurs while effecting positive transformation in their communities.”
— B.J. Stewart, Executive Director of Chicago’s Sunshine Enterprises

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

Recently, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the awardees of the Good Food Fund and The Food Business Incubator Program. Both were designed in collaboration with the Food Equity Council, a private-public partnership dedicated to transforming Chicago’s food system into one that is just and equitable. Allies for Community Business (A4CB) has been selected to manage the Good Food Fund, a $5 million fund to support food entrepreneurs in communities with inequitable access to food. 

The City has awarded 7 community-based organizations - including Sunshine Enterprises - funds for innovative food incubator programs. These organizations will design custom programs that offer a range of technical assistance and capacity building support, such as: mentorship/apprenticeship programs, food stall rentals, kitchen and commercial space, retail pop-ups, co-working or office space and more.

HOW WE ARE USING THESE FUNDS:

  • Business Acceleration Services is offering workshops for our alumni such as Inventory Management, Introduction to Consumer Packaged Goods, Contracts/Pricing for Catering Events, Where to Shop for Supplies and Access to Capital for Food-Based Businesses.

  • This summer we are planning "Taste of Sunshine" events that showcase entrees and tastings from our alums who have food-based businesses.

  • This fall, our Community Business Academy will have our first ever food-themed cohort (similar to previous specialty cohorts tech & digital, construction and arts & makers).