Region’s Newest Food Incubator, Kitchen Council, Launches February 6th

What will become one of the region’s largest incubators for food entrepreneurs, Kitchen Council, a project of the Greater Omaha Chamber and community partners, will launch Tuesday, February 6 from 6-8 p.m. at a public gala hosted at the organization’s inaugural location, 50 Arena Way, Suite 11, Council Bluffs.

“Kitchen Council is up and running and open for business,” said Holly Benson Muller, managing director, Kitchen Council. “Community members who are passionate about food and committed to supporting local businesses will want to attend the launch event.”

Benson added Kitchen Council joins a nationally growing segment of food accelerators designed to lower barriers to market entry – a strategy that increases startup success and expands inclusivity into what some analysts are calling “the new food economy.”

According to the Specialty Food Association, that economy exceeds $100 billion annually, with food accelerators addressing the need for “foodpreneurs” to tap into a lively production space that offers collegial support, business counseling and assistance with licensing and certification.

The 2,500-square-foot Kitchen Council facility includes a fully-equipped commercial kitchen, as well as access to business-development assistance and additional resources. The startup accelerator will expand to its colocation, the PACE Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center, in 2019.

Programming for the Kitchen Council launch includes a ribbon cutting, partner and supporter remarks, a social hour with food and beverages and an opportunity to meet the original Kitchen Council makers.

Register for the event at www.omahachamber.org/events/kitchen-council-launch.

Kitchen Council thanks its program partners: Greater Omaha Chamber, Iowa West Foundation, Council Bluffs Chamber, Conagra Brands, and Iowa Economic Development Authority.