In 2017, LAUNCH began evaluating what a kitchen incubator would look like in Chattanooga, TN. We spent time getting to know the needs of entrepreneurs in the food industry and researching how kitchen incubators have operated in other cities. We found that shared kitchen spaces and mentoring programs increase an entrepreneur's chance for success. 

This is why we started the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga. 

The KIC paves the way for economic growth in minority communities by

• Creating accessibility and affordability for its clients

• Encouraging collaboration within our ecosystem

• Empowering new businesses to build a following

• Removing barriers for start-ups, caterers, food truck owners, and product manufacturers.

Ultimately, the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga can strengthen businesses in the foodservice industry.

After unearthing this great need in our city, we set out to find the perfect space. Through the generosity of Urban Story Ventures, the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga has already set up shop in this incredible 7950 sq. ft former culinary school. We are equipped to accommodate up to 40 tenants in this fully operational shared commercial kitchen and bakery. 

The KIC provides space for:

• A food truck commissary and market

• Cooking classes

• Pop-Up events

• Distribution programs

• Kitchen rental for monthly & hourly tenants

• 6-9 month course for new food entrepreneurs

• Increased community access to food

• Laboratory for businesses to experiment, pivot, and determine their next steps

      The original plan was to open doors in 2021, but in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we fast-tracked and put this space to use in May of 2020.

Through partnerships with the CFGC, Footprint Foundation, Urban Story Ventures, and many others in our community, we were able to provide over 27,000 meals to at-risk seniors and income to 9 local small business owners. 

We titled this pilot effort The LAUNCH Provisions Project. 

But it didn't stop there. Since then, the Good Kitchen supplied us with 6,000 more meals to be delivered across Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank currently donates 500 boxes of food each week for us to distribute, and we are gearing up for another 2 weeks of deliveries to seniors! This pilot has shown us the vast need in our community for a food-based incubator and proven that this space can house our future work. 

We have the opportunity to create our city’s first non-profit kitchen incubator, the chance to support food entrepreneurs during a critical time. There is a high demand from our community and the entrepreneurs are ready to move. The market is ripe for the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga.

Join with us as we build hope and equity for women and minority entrepreneurs through

the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga.