About the Program
SPICE – Supporting the Pursuit of Innovative Culinary Entrepreneurs
Spice Kitchen Incubator is a project of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City, and was founded in partnership with Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office for New Americans & Refugees.
Spice Kitchen Incubator is a business incubator that brings together refugees and other disadvantaged community members interested in starting a full or part-time food business. Spice Kitchen Incubator ensures participants receive technical assistance and training, have affordable access to commercial kitchen space and learn the steps to establishing a successful food business.
We are focused on creating opportunities for refugees and disadvantaged individuals:
The goal is to improve the chances of start-up and early-stage businesses of growing into healthy, viable companies.
Spice Kitchen Incubator ensures participants have affordable access to commercial kitchen space where they can learn commercial kitchen operations, proper food handling procedures, and the necessary steps to continue building their businesses.
Our model is inspired by the work of La Cocina in San Francisco, CA.
Our Incubation Method & Services
1st Month
Application and Enrollment
Participants are recruited from the local community, attend an orientation session, and are assessed to determine if they have the entrepreneurial spirit, product viability, and community focus needed to run a successful food business.
6-8 months
Pre-Incubation
During this six month phase, participants receive technical assistance to establish the foundations of their business plan including product development, marketing, finances, and operations.
8 months - 4 years
Incubation
Participants whose pre-incubation phase was successful will move on to the incubation phase and continue to receive technical assistance while accessing affordable, commercial kitchen space to launch their business. They also will have access to capital and resources to grow sales and build their business.
Ongoing
Graduation
Once participants meet all established incubation benchmarks, they are eligible for graduation and move their business out of Spice Kitchen Incubator while still remaining part of the alumni community. Some participants may continue to utilize the cooperative renting commercial kitchen space and other resources.
Spice Kitchen Incubator Services
Access to Commercial Kitchen Space
Commissary kitchen space and storage is available. Members in incubation and alumni community pay a discounted rate.
Industry-Specific Technical Assistance
Professionals provide free or subsidized technical assistance in marketing, operations, product development and access to capital.
Workshops
Our partners and staff provide workshops covering various aspects of owning a food business.
Access to Markets and Market Positioning
We connect entrepreneurs with market opportunities and co-branding through Spice Kitchen Incubator for the mainstream markets.
