By Jordan McCann - Junction City Main Street and Susan Jagerson - Live Well Geary County
Junction City KS, 06/04/2024 – Junction City Main Street (JCMS) and Live Well Geary County (LWGC) are thrilled to be the recipient of a USDA Local Food Promotion Planning Grant to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the development of a community/incubator kitchen. This funding marks a significant step forward in the mission to support local food entrepreneurs, foster economic growth and reduce food insecurity in the community.
The incubator kitchen aims to provide emerging culinary businesses with access to fully equipped commercial kitchen spaces at an affordable cost, alongside business development resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. By reducing the barriers to entry for aspiring chefs, bakers, and food product developers, the incubator kitchen will serve as a catalyst for innovation and job creation in the local food industry.
Key Objectives of the Feasibility Study:
1. Assess Community Needs: Conducting surveys and focus groups with local food entrepreneurs, potential users, and community stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations.
2. Economic Impact Analysis: Evaluating the potential economic benefits, including job creation, business growth, and increased local food production.
3. Facility Requirements: Identifying the necessary kitchen equipment, space configurations, and technological needs to support diverse culinary enterprises.
4. Business Model Development: Formulating a sustainable business model and operational plan to ensure the incubator kitchen’s long-term viability and accessibility.
5. Funding and Partnership Opportunities: Exploring additional funding sources, partnerships, and collaborations to support the project’s implementation and growth.
The feasibility study being conducted by New Venture Advisors (NVA) is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. During this period, NVA, JCMS and LWGC will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including local government officials, business leaders, and community members, to ensure the project aligns with community needs and goals.
We are currently reaching out to community members in the restaurant and farming industry, to take the survey https://bit.ly/JCKitchenIncubatorSurvey.