Food Incubation Center

StarkFresh believes that people who are given the opportunity to learn with dignity can develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

The Food Incubation Center (FIC) is an integral part of the many private operations and organizational initiatives supported by our Food Justice Campus, but we know that creating opportunities to start a food business is not enough.

The Food Incubation Center (FIC) erases barriers toward business ownership by offering access to its physical assets and providing guidance and training, primarily through three core functions:

  1. TRAINING

  2. BUSINESS INCUBATION

  3. SHARED-USE COMMERCIAL KITCHEN

We believe in taking a nurturing, comprehensive approach to educating a potential business owner or employee by way of approachable, accessible TRAINING:

  • Food Safety Training

    In all aspects of food-related commerce, food safety is a top priority.

    To meet the educational needs of our community, staff members at our Food Justice Campus teach ServSafe Food Safety courses on a regular basis.

    Food Safety Training Courses

  • Business Development Bootcamp

    The Business Development Bootcamp (BDBC) is a plain-language business development course, designed as the most accessible business class offered for those with no prior business background or schooling.

    Learn More About BDBC

Utilizing existing space at the Food Justice Campus to help with BUSINESS INCUBATION is another role of the FIC. Existing and potential small business owners can take advantage of available urban farm rental space and professional office space to grow their businesses to the next level.

Among the businesses growing in the Food Incubation Center are:

Canton Mushroom Works

Little Greens Mama

Roostertail Barbeque

The SHARED-USE COMMERCIAL KITCHEN is Stark County’s only commercial kitchen available to rent hourly. This affordable, state and city-licensed kitchen is available for food entrepreneurs to apply the training they’ve obtained through the FIC and realize their dreams of practically operating a small food business.

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