Description
The Hatchery Chicago is a non-profit food and beverage incubator in Chicago’s East Garfield Park that helps local food entrepreneurs build, launch, and grow CPG, catering, food trucks, and food tech ventures by providing 67,000 sq ft of shared and private commercial kitchen space, incubation cohorts, business classes, one-on-one coaching, and connections to financing partners and industry networks. Backed by Allies for Community Business and ICNC, it focuses on removing barriers to entry for underrepresented founders and cultivating sustainable food businesses in the region.
Eligibility
• Food & beverage entrepreneurs (CPG, catering, meal delivery, food trucks, food tech) planning to launch or grow a business.
• Chicago-based founders (priority for local participation and membership).
• Participants expected to commit to the cohort and programming, attend workshops/classes, and actively progress business development.
Process
Membership & Cohort Application: Founders apply for membership or the six-month Incubation Cohort tailored to developing concept into a market-ready venture.
Facilities & Workspace: Participants gain access to commercial kitchen facilities, storage, coworking, and meeting space to support production and operations.
Education & Mentoring: Monthly classes, workshops, and coaching cover business basics, licensing, marketing, finance, and operational skills.
Networking & Ecosystem Access: Entrepreneurs connect with industry experts, mentors, and potential partners through events, pitch opportunities, and community networks.
Financing Access: Through onsite partner Allies for Community Business, members can access micro-loans and capital introductions up to ~$100,000.
What an Applicant can Obtain
✔ Access to commercial kitchen facilities (shared and private) for production.
✔ Six-month Incubation Cohort support with coaching and programming.
✔ Business classes and mentorship on regulatory, marketing, and financial topics.
✔ Networking with industry partners and entrepreneurs.
✔ Connections to micro-loan capital and financing partners via Allies for Community Business.
✔ Opportunities for pitch awards/contests (e.g., rent-free kitchen space).
✔ Collaborative community and ecosystem support without giving up eq
