South-West entrepreneurs have the opportunity to take their small food businesses to the next level in an affordable commercial kitchen opening at Busselton's Origins Market later this year.
Expressions of Interest are now open to hire the certified kitchen, which is available to start-ups, businesses and market vendors wanting to create culinary value-added products.
For $30 an hour, aspiring food producers will be able to cook up and package sauces, jams, baked goods and meals for market in the accessible and fully-equipped facility featuring preparation and washing areas along with cold and frozen storage.
The facility will also be available for primary producers who want to develop the value-added segment of their business when Origins Market opens its doors in November.
The fit-out of the kitchen, along with two business incubator stalls to support start-ups to sell their product, was supported with a $70,000 Regional Economic Development (RED) grant from the McGowan Government.
The RED grants program supports locally driven projects that contribute to the economic growth and development of regional Western Australia.
To submit an Expression of Interest in using the incubator kitchen or to be a part of the Origins Market, visit http://www.originsmarket.com.au
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The Origins Market incubator will provide opportunities for bakers, caterers and other food entrepreneurs to start or grow their business, and for local producers to move into value-adding.
"Initiatives like this help to reduce barriers to entry for small businesses, and allow home-based entrepreneurs to get off the ground or take their business to the next stage.
"We look forward to seeing fabulous products supported by the incubator kitchen appearing in pantries across WA and beyond.
"The McGowan Government's RED grants are supporting local businesses and local jobs right across regional WA."
As stated by South West Region MLC Jackie Jarvis:
"This is a fantastic and unique opportunity for South-West businesses and I would encourage them to submit their expressions of interest.
"Origins Market will promote all the amazing things our region is known for, right in the heart of Busselton.
"This is a great chance for our renowned food producers to showcase their products to visitors and locals alike."
