Our small food business program supports aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners run and grow their enterprises within NYC’s thriving food industry.
We believe that new partnerships, open conversations, and novel approaches are essential to catalyzing the long-term changes required to create a more equitable food industry and stronger pathways to economic mobility for entrepreneurs of color.
- Talented MWBE food entrepreneurs in New York City can thrive when they are connected to new markets and customers, investment capital and networks.
- Corporate and institutional brands play a critical role in opening opportunities for MWBE food entrepreneurs, and re-thinking the system that places greater priority on sourcing and partnering with women-, Black- and other people of color-owned small businesses.
- We champion courageous conversations and sustainable solutions that aim to challenge systemic barriers to advancement and business success for employees and entrepreneurs of color in the food industry.
Programs
PROOF Pitch Program + Showcase – Fall 2022!
In baking and in business, there is “proof” at an inflection point: bread is proofed between shaping and baking, while an entrepreneur’s proof of concept comes between solidifying a business idea and scaling it.
At Hot Bread Kitchen’s first PROOF Pitch Program + Showcase, food entrepreneurs from across New York City will have the opportunity to “proof” their products for a panel of culinary experts and the chance to take their businesses to the next level.
Prep for Success
Hot Bread Kitchen’s Prep for Success program offers critical knowledge on business financials, marketing, strategic planning, customer service, and generating sales.
Our Members
We partner with women of color and immigrant women impacted by gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality. Hot Bread Kitchen’s members include cisgender and transgender women. We are also committed to supporting those who identify beyond the gender binary, and welcome gender non-confirming and non-binary people into our program.
Small Business Events Recaps
Seizing the (Whole) Opportunity: Doing Business with Whole Foods Market Northeast
It takes a phenomenal product to make it onto the shelves at Whole Foods Market—but it takes more than that to get your brand...
Co-Packing Resources for Small Businesses
Growing operations by partnering with a co-packer is a great way to scale your packaged goods business. Get tips from Hot Bread Kitchen and Brewing the American Dream.
E-Commerce Tips from the Food Entrepreneurship Forum
Tips and recommendations for e-commerce considerations from entrepreneurs and experts.
Meet Our Entrepreneurs
Pierre Thiam Brings West African Hospitality to East Harlem
There are many ways of getting to know the celebrated Senegalese chef Pierre Thiam: by watching his TED Talk on the resiliency of...
Sandra Mathis: Leaving a Legacy of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is on the rise, and women of color are at the forefront. “An important part of our mission is to give a...
