Kitchen Prep: Resources for Food Entrepreneurs

Starting a food business comes with a special set of demands, but the good news is that special help is available, too, usually on a free or a low-cost basis. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the most useful resources here in Kansas City.

Ennovation Center 

The Ennovation Center, based in Independence, assists several kinds of new businesses, but it might be best known for its kitchen incubator, which includes five kitchens with high-capacity convection ovens, steam kettles and other professional-grade equipment that young businesses might not be able to afford on their own. The kitchens can be rented on an hourly and are accessible 24/7. And that’s not counting the other support services for food businesses.

(816) 463-3515 // info@ennovationcenter.com

K-State Value-Added/Product Development Laboratory 

Located in Manhattan, the laboratory offers a wide range of practical help to food companies, such as helping them determine the shelf life of a new product and reviewing labels to make sure they comply with state and federal regulations.

(785) 532-1668 // www.ksre.ksu.edu/kvafl/p.aspx?tabid=32

K-State Sensory & Consumer Research Center

The center, based at K-State’s Olathe campus, can help food businesses test consumer reaction to their products, with special attention given to how food tastes and smells.

(913) 307-7355 // marianness@ksu.edu

Small Business Development Centers

There are two SBDCs in the immediate metro area: one at UMKC, and another at Johnson County Community College. Both centers provide essential coaching to help new entrepreneurs make their ventures succeed.

JCCC: 913-469-3878 //  ksbdc@jccc.edu // www.jccc.edu/ksbdc/

UMKC:  (816) 235-6063 // info.umkc.edu/sbtdc/