Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘HBK Incubates’?
HBK Incubates is a kitchen incubator with the mission of helping start-up food businesses grow into sustainable, cash-generating companies. A kitchen incubator offers businesses the 2-3 year opportunity to grow without the cost of building and equipping their own commercial kitchen. We rent kitchen space at below-market rates and offer support programs specifically designed to graduate confident, successful entrepreneurs that are well grounded financially and secure in their knowledge of how to run a productive food business.
Who qualifies to enter the program?
HBK Incubates is open to all early stage businesses, with priority given to food entrepreneurs from the Harlem community. Our goal is to make business ownership more accessible to all New Yorkers; with this in mind, we strongly encourage women and minorities to apply. We will mail you an application upon request.
How much does it cost?
Incubator members will be required to pay a yearly membership fee of $500, which covers 40 free hours of supervised production during the first 3 months of membership. Significantly subsidized membership dues and tailored payment schedules are available for applicants who meet specific income requirements, including anyone who qualifies for public assistance (food assistance, reduced-price lunch for children, WIC, etc). Please contact us if you would like more information about subsidized rates.
Note that upon acceptance, start-up costs to begin producing in the kitchen include:
- Insurance (which typically costs a minimum of $450 per year)
- Licensing fees (costs vary depending on the license; a baker should expect to pay $400 for 2 years).
What kitchen space and equipment is available?
HBK Incubates is a 2,300 square foot, shared-use commercial kitchen that is equipped to handle most needs of start-up bakers, caterers, cooks and added-value food processors. We offer three private prep kitchens and preparation areas with three individual banks of specialized equipment.
What licenses and insurance are required?
Each incubator member is a separate business entity. Each business is required to have its own business license, insurance, staff, business records, tax returns and so forth. Each business owner will also be responsible for complying with the city, state and federal regulations concerning licensing, food safety and sanitation, taxes, employment, etc.
Is it possible to simply rent kitchen space?
If you are interested in renting commercial kitchen space only, or if you don’t qualify to enter the incubation program but are still interested in kitchen space, please contact us at incubator@HotBreadKitchen.org to receive Commercial Kitchen Rental information.
