Can-Do Kitchen incubated businesses to show off products

Entrepreneurs who get their start in the Can-Do Kitchen, a regional food business incubator, can find support and lots of information as they determine if they have what it takes to get their business off the ground.

They can use the licensed commercial kitchen space with four convection ovens, walk-in cooler and freezer, 60-quart mixer, two cooking stations and wireless internet.

They get advice on how to find locally grown and produced ingredients, how to package and brand their food products, and develop their food preparation skills.

Another advantage is coming up–Can-Do Kitchen Expo, an annual trade show for Kalamazoo’s food entrepreneurs. The new businesses get to show their products to buyers, brokers, distributors, managers, merchandisers, design and marketing firms in the food industry.

The goal of the event, now in its third year, is to make sure grocery buyers large and small are familiar with Can-Do Kitchen entrepreneurs.

Those who attend the expo will be promoting their companies and building business connections with Michigan-made producers. They allo get the opportunity to taste locally-made foods and sip some wine.

The event is 4:30 to 6 p.m. April 20 at 511 Harrison, the new location for the Can-Do Kitchen. Food industry representatives who would like to attend should contact Program Manager Lucy Bland by email.

Some of the food makers who will be at the expo include: Ageless Pantry, a maker of bottled tea; The Adventures of Barb and Tammy, creators of granola and biscotti; Dough Chicks, making energy bars and Kara Komets; Unique Eats, developers of vegetarian meals such as vegetarian loaf and Mike’s Famous Michigan Bean Bean Dip.

Bland says Angie’s Food, a broker; Kim Harding, of some of the local Harding’s Markets and The Cheese Lady of Texas Township are among those who have said they would attend.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Lucy Bland, Can-Do Kitchen, a project of Fair Food Matters