Culinary Entrepreneur Program

The Culinary Entrepreneur Program empowers aspiring and established food entrepreneurs to turn their passion for cooking into sustainable, successful businesses. Through mentorship, resources, and access to licensed commercial kitchens, we help entrepreneurs transform ideas into ventures that nourish communities.

PARTNERS THAT
MAKE THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE:

Who We Are:

The Culinary Entrepreneur Program, offered by the Women’s Business Center at JEDI, is a partnership-driven initiative created to uplift food entrepreneurs. With support from organizations like BITE, Alacrity, and regional commercial kitchens, we provide the education, tools, and connections needed to thrive in the culinary industry. While part of the WBC’s broader mission, the program is uniquely tailored to meet the challenges and opportunities of food-based businesses.

What We Do:

We specialize in culinary business development, offering hands-on training, mentorship from industry professionals, and resources for navigating the unique challenges of the food industry. Our program includes workshops, access to shared commercial kitchens, and personalized coaching to help entrepreneurs bring their culinary dreams to life.

Who We Serve:

Our focus is on food entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their passion into thriving businesses. 

Our Core Values:

  • Empowerment: Helping food entrepreneurs turn their dreams into action.
  • Community: Building connections that strengthen local food systems.
  • Innovation: Creating solutions tailored for the culinary industry.

The Impact: Why It Matters

 

  • For Entrepreneurs:

    This program equips culinary entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to launch and grow businesses that celebrate their unique talents and stories.

  • For Communities:
    Local food businesses enrich our communities by creating jobs, fostering cultural exchange, and bringing fresh, authentic flavors to our tables.

 

We are excited about the future stories that will unfold. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. We look forward to sharing the success stories of the individuals who will benefit from our support in the months ahead, as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, strengthen their communities, and build lasting businesses.

Together, We Can Build Businesses That Change Lives

For Participants

Take the First Step Toward Your Culinary Dream
  • Empower Your Journey: Your application supports our mission and keeps us independent & free.
  • Top-Notch Privacy: Your information is handled with the highest level of security, confidentiality, and anonymity.
  • Begin Your Culinary Adventure: Launch your culinary career with confidence—start today! 
  • Unlock Exclusive Benefits: Gain access to premium resources and support tailored to your culinary aspirations, with the opportunity to apply for a grant to jumpstart your journey. 
Apply Now

For Donors

Join Us in Empowering Culinary Entrepreneurs
  • Support Lasting Impact: Your contribution empowers small food businesses to launch, grow, and thrive, building stronger families and communities.
  • Your Trust Matters: We ensure your donation is used transparently and effectively to maximize community impact.
  • Fuel Culinary Dreams: Help aspiring food entrepreneurs turn their passion into sustainable, successful businesses.
  • Be a Catalyst for Change: Your support creates opportunities, enriching local food landscapes and economies.
Make a Donation

Made Possible by Our Incredible Donor - Tri Counties Bank

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tri Counties Bank  and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco AHEAD Program for their generous support and commitment to empowering culinary entrepreneurs.

Their donation and assistance in securing the AHEAD Grant have been instrumental in launching this program, helping us provide essential tools, resources, and opportunities to aspiring food entrepreneurs.

Together, we are building a stronger community through innovation and economic empowerment.

Thank you, Tri Counties Bank, for making this vision a reality!

Left to Right: Charity Abban-Saah, Owner of Sizzle’s Kitchen, Victoria Rodrigues, WBC Program Director, Tessa Borquez, Owner of Alacrity Destination Services Danna Prater, Tri Counties Bank VP Director of Community Development & JEDI Board Member, Briana Hutsell, Tri Counties Bank VP Branch Manager  

Listen to the experiences of those who have been empowered by our organization to create lasting change in their businesses.

"Just recently, Quickbooks went from a desktop version to being solely online--this transition was daunting and only possible with the guidance of Michael Hough. His knowledge is deep and his ability to instruct others is flexible and effective. And all of this expertise is delivered with endless
patience."

- Beth Gong

"Wonderful support for business building and book keeping. I very much appreciate Kate & Michael."

- Willa Keizer

"JEDI is amazing. I’m so grateful for the incredible help their team has given me through the years starting from the very beginning of my business. With the help of JEDI I’ve been able start and grow a successful local business. Thank you JEDI."

- Anonymous

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  • You believe in empowering small businesses.
  • You want to see your community thrive.
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