Striving to nurture and empower ‘foodpreneurs’ through bespoke development support and specialised kitchen equipment, the Makers Landing Kitchen Incubator Programme believes it has the recipe for success and is seeking to share it with eight local food entrepreneurs ready to unlock their food business potential.
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The popular Makers Landing opened in December 2020 with the aim of building and evolving the Mother City’s food scene in a meaningful way through job creation and skills development. Since its inception, the purpose-driven space has upskilled more than 28 small businesses, including Emazulwini, Honeycomb Eatery, Slow + Low, Wrapper Co and Kasi Cuisine, to name a few.
A first-of-its-kind in South Africa, the incubation program offers selected participants access to finance opportunities, business development training, market support, specialised technical support, mentorship, events, product development and specialised kitchen equipment. This approach is designed to develop their product offering and entrepreneurship skills while providing a practical learning experience.
The 12-month incubation programme is broken down into three phases:
Pre-incubation phase (three months): This phase is dedicated to defining their business purpose, building a growth strategy and a practical action plan. It also comprises completing a business diagnosis assessment to identify gaps in the business and key focus areas.
Incubation phase (five months): The next phase provides a comprehensive business development programme to prepare the entrepreneur for running a successful food business and scaling its operation. This includes but is not limited to entrepreneurship skills training, mentorship, market readiness, funding readiness, regular business health checks to assess implementation and technical assistance.
Growth phase (four months): The final phase then focuses on marketing exposure, unlocking growth opportunities, as well as building and maintaining a sustainable brand and business. During this phase, food entrepreneurs receive are exposed to market opportunities to take the business to the next level.
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‘Our goal with the Kitchen Incubator Programme has always been to provide support and guidance to foodpreneurs looking to scale their business successfully. Over the three years, we’ve noted individual business growth within each graduating cohort,’ explains Senior Management Social Impact & Food Ecosystem Head Henry Mathys.
‘It’s been incredible to watch these culinary experts not only apply the insights learnt from the curriculum but also leverage on the knowledge shared by other industry leaders who have mentored them throughout the journey,’ adds Mathys.
To ensure that these future eight ‘foodpreneurs’ receive comprehensive knowledge and support, the V&A Waterfront said it has partnered with two industry leaders: Property Point, an enterprise development initiative committed to unlocking opportunities for SMEs, and Wakanda Food Accelerator, an entrepreneurial hub for food tech innovators seeking to transform their skills into flourishing food businesses.
These strategic collaborations play a key role in the curriculum, providing essential resources for the cohorts to achieve lasting success.
‘We looking for food entrepreneurs and innovators ready to scale in the food service, packaged foods and catering industries,’ says Makers Landing. ‘If this sounds like you, then let us help you flourish!’
Those interested in applying can do so here.
Applications close Monday, 29 January 2024.
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Picture: Makers Landing / Facebook