GROW YOUR BUSINESS FROM YOUR HOME KITCHEN TO COMMERCIAL SUCCESS
Start is a 15-month incubator designed to help cottage food businesses grow from home-based operations into shared commercial kitchen space. Participants receive direct capital support to cover kitchen costs for up to one year, along with hands-on assistance to scale their business: financial coaching to build a clear growth plan, technical support to address operational challenges, and market connections to increase sales, so you can sustainably afford and thrive in a commercial kitchen.
| Eligibility Requirements | – In business for at least 6 months – Demonstrated market demand for your product – Working full-time on your business, or able to commit full-time through participation in the program – Registered as an LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or other formal business entity – Household income at or below 120% of NYC Area Median Income – Demonstrated barriers to entrepreneurship |
| Location | – Onboard at a shared commercial kitchen of your choice in the NYC area – Training and technical assistance are primarily virtual, with in-person support at Chelsea Market or your kitchen as needed |
| Time Commitment | – Time in the kitchen will vary by business model; you should be prepared to commit the hours needed to meet the growth plan we develop together during financial coaching – Financial coaching includes biweekly 2-hour sessions for the first 2 months, plus 5–10 hours of independent work each week to build your growth plan and onboard to a kitchen – After onboarding, 2 hours of meetings per month with our team and your cohort |
| Cost | – Free to participate |
| Application Process | – Complete the Interest Form to be notified when applications reopen in Spring 2027. – Once applications reopen, submit your application by the stated deadline. – Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. – Final participants will be notified of their acceptance via email. |
| What You’ll Graduate With | – A financial and growth plan, including a path to earning income through your business – Established operations in a shared commercial kitchen – Market connections to grow your sales |
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
- Applications for the 2026 Start Program closed on May 29, 2026. If you missed the deadline, we encourage you to submit the interest form below to be notified when applications reopen next year.
Have questions? Email us at hbkincubates@hotbreadkitchen.org
TESTIMONIALS
“Being part of Hot Bread Kitchen has given me more than resources — it has given me community. Through mentorship, education, and peer support, I’ve gained clarity, confidence, and practical tools to grow Morito intentionally and sustainably.“
– Priscilla, Morito Chocolate’s
“Getting into the commercial kitchen was a bit of a struggle due to the product I make and sell. I felt like I was going to give up, but I finally made it. Everyone at Hot Bread Kitchen tells you that you are not alone… my story is a testament to that.”
– Keesha, Live Loud Foods
“Being a Hot Bread Kitchen member has given me the ability to focus on creativity and creating new products by helping cover costs that would have been prohibitive in the early stages of my business.”
– Tiffany, Secret Vegan Kitchen
ALUMNI NETWORK
Once a member, always a member! Graduates of our programs stay connected with HBKi through our alumni hub, office hours, ongoing technical assistance, and access to market and capital connections, so your business can keep growing and thriving.
WHAT’S NEXT?
After completing Start – or if you’re already operating in a commercial space and looking for capital – explore our Scale program. Scale supports food businesses that have been operating for two or more years by connecting founders with external capital opportunities across lending, crowdfunding, grants, and investment to fuel long-term growth and expansion.
