Wisconsin State Journal, 01.29.10
A commercial-sized kitchen where farmers and culinary entrepreneurs can sauce tomatoes, pickle cucumbers or bake cookies is up and running in this western Dane County village, and is one of half a dozen "incubator" kitchens in the works throughout southern Wisconsin.
The idea is to spawn dozens of food-based companies by providing access to critical business development assistance as well as larger, faster ovens, restaurant-grade equipment and more work space found in licensed commercial kitchens.
Last year, Thrive, UW-Extension and other regional partners, announced $110,000 to support the development of incubators in Monroe, Mazomanie, Beloit and Madison. Kitchen incubator projects in Mineral Point and Prairie du Chien also are in the works.
A commercial-sized kitchen where farmers and culinary entrepreneurs can sauce tomatoes, pickle cucumbers or bake cookies is up and running in this western Dane County village, and is one of half a dozen "incubator" kitchens in the works throughout southern Wisconsin.
The idea is to spawn dozens of food-based companies by providing access to critical business development assistance as well as larger, faster ovens, restaurant-grade equipment and more work space found in licensed commercial kitchens.
Last year, Thrive, UW-Extension and other regional partners, announced $110,000 to support the development of incubators in Monroe, Mazomanie, Beloit and Madison. Kitchen incubator projects in Mineral Point and Prairie du Chien also are in the works.