As part of our ‘Partner Spotlight’ series, we introduce our 2021 ECOSYSTEM partner, the
North Carolina Network of Incubator Kitchens (NC-NIK). Their mission is to foster collaboration and best-practices among the many shared-kitchen incubators across North Carolina, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.
Describe your organization in 25 words or less.
NC-NIK is a network of shared-kitchen managers across the state that helps food entrepreneurs achieve their dreams
How does your organization support entrepreneurs?
We provide guidance and support through the challenge of starting and growing a food-based business
What can those reading this do to support your company? How can they help?
Spread the word to all food entrepreneurs that help is out there.
What is the biggest challenge your organization is currently facing?
Starting a food business requires knowledge of regulations, food safety, product development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution. We try to provide this information and a path to success.
Where do you see your organization in 5 years?
As food entrepreneurship grows and more shared kitchens open, we see our membership doubling in five years. We see NC-NIK developing programs and materials that make it easier to launch and grow a food-based business.
How has the NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM grant helped your organization?
NC IDEA funds helped create and sustain the organization for its first year of life. NC IDEA continues to help the organization through the Ecosystem Partners Network
What problem is your organization trying to solve?
Provide the facilities, equipment, guidance, and support for those starting food-based businesses.
Who benefits from your organization’s work?
The hundreds of food entrepreneurs across the state.
What advice would you give other organizations in acquiring funding?
Listen to what your community needs and continue to check in as you move forward.
Describe the entrepreneurial landscape in your organization’s broader community/region. What do entrepreneurs in your community need most to build a successful business? How is your organization helping to address this need(s)?
Our entrepreneurs need clear and concise information and role models of successful food entrepreneurs. We make the connections that address this need.
Please share any collaborative partners or relationships your organization has either worked with in your community or within the broader NC entrepreneurial ecosystem. How do these partnerships strengthen your respective work and/or missions?
WE Power Food is a critical partner. Their support of women food entrepreneurs dovetails with our support for food entrepreneurs in general.
Published October 16, 2024
Submission Provided by: Eric Hallman
(Founder)
As part of our ‘Partner Spotlight’ series, we introduce our 2021 ECOSYSTEM partner, the
North Carolina Network of Incubator Kitchens (NC-NIK). Their mission is to foster collaboration and best-practices among the many shared-kitchen incubators across North Carolina, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.
Describe your organization in 25 words or less.
NC-NIK is a network of shared-kitchen managers across the state that helps food entrepreneurs achieve their dreams
How does your organization support entrepreneurs?
We provide guidance and support through the challenge of starting and growing a food-based business
What can those reading this do to support your company? How can they help?
Spread the word to all food entrepreneurs that help is out there.
What is the biggest challenge your organization is currently facing?
Starting a food business requires knowledge of regulations, food safety, product development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution. We try to provide this information and a path to success.
Where do you see your organization in 5 years?
As food entrepreneurship grows and more shared kitchens open, we see our membership doubling in five years. We see NC-NIK developing programs and materials that make it easier to launch and grow a food-based business.
How has the NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM grant helped your organization?
NC IDEA funds helped create and sustain the organization for its first year of life. NC IDEA continues to help the organization through the Ecosystem Partners Network
What problem is your organization trying to solve?
Provide the facilities, equipment, guidance, and support for those starting food-based businesses.
Who benefits from your organization’s work?
The hundreds of food entrepreneurs across the state.
What advice would you give other organizations in acquiring funding?
Listen to what your community needs and continue to check in as you move forward.
Describe the entrepreneurial landscape in your organization’s broader community/region. What do entrepreneurs in your community need most to build a successful business? How is your organization helping to address this need(s)?
Our entrepreneurs need clear and concise information and role models of successful food entrepreneurs. We make the connections that address this need.
Please share any collaborative partners or relationships your organization has either worked with in your community or within the broader NC entrepreneurial ecosystem. How do these partnerships strengthen your respective work and/or missions?
WE Power Food is a critical partner. Their support of women food entrepreneurs dovetails with our support for food entrepreneurs in general.
Published October 16, 2024
Submission Provided by: Eric Hallman
(Founder)
