Seed, start or scale your small food business with new skills and connections to capital and customers.
New York City’s thriving food industry is an exciting place for entrepreneurs–especially women, the fastest growing demographic of small business owners. Whether you are just starting out or are operating a business but need help taking the next step, our food entrepreneurship programs can help.
Our programs will teach you the fundamentals of running a business, guiding you towards the necessary steps to get started or grow your venture. Working with seasoned business advisors, we give you the opportunity to test your proof of concept and provide access to markets and new customers. Our goal is to see your business thrive and your income rise!
HBKi: Seed
Seed is a self-paced 5-part virtual program to help early stage entrepreneurs develop a business plan framework. Program is rolling and modules are offered throughout the year.
HBKi: Start
Start provides eligible businesses with a subsidized licensed commercial kitchen space in Brooklyn where entrepreneurs can produce their food product. Entrepreneurs will also have access to tools and resources to test their business model.
HBKi: Scale
Scale connects businesses to a network of mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lenders that are tailored to your businesses’ unique growth trajectory (accessing loan amounts of $50,000+). Program is rolling throughout the year.
Cultivate in partnership with Santander
In partnership with Santander Bank, Cultivate is a virtual program that provides resources, capital, and mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs in the food-industry in the New York City area. Applications to the Santander Cultivate Program are now open!
Program Eligibility
Become a Small Business Mentor!
Support small food business owned by women of color by becoming a Hot Bread Kitchen mentor! We are seeking passionate volunteers with knowledge and expertise in business, operations, supply chain, packaging, the food industry, and more.
More than a Business—a Family Legacy
“For me, owning a business is something that I wanted to start as a legacy for my family. We never really owned anything. I wanted to start something that I could own – not only for my future children, but for my siblings and nieces and nephews. I wanted to inspire them that they can do more; you don’t have to work for somebody else your whole life.”
—Jesebel Gumogda, owner of Pure Confections and Hot Bread Kitchen member
Partner Spotlight
