What is a Foodpreneur?
Foodpreneur - short for food entrepreneur - is a term that describes the innovative kinds of individuals who focus on creating small batch, locally produced commercial food. They’re the self-starter kinda people that make you proud to call the Midwest home. Foodpreneurs are aspiring (and successful!) business people who are all about leveling up the food that you eat in unique and eclectic ways.
Odds are that you’ve been blessed by the gifts of a local foodpreneur. That local tapas bar you enjoy so much? It’s probably run by a foodpreneur. The craft brewery with the best food in town? Probably there, too. In fact, the chances are good that you probably know a foodpreneur firsthand.
But being a foodpreneur isn’t an easy task. There are virtually endless streams of challenges that you have to conquer in order to succeed: a competitive landscape, operational logistics, regulatory requirements, and creating a loyal customer base, just to name a few.
Erasing Evansville’s Food Desert, One Kitchen at a Time
Meet the Bedford Collab Team
The two founders of Bedford Collab, Merrick Korach and DeAndre Wilson, aren’t your average entrepreneurs. Both Korach and Wilson hail from the Tepe Park community. Their number one priority is a relentless pursuit to fulfill the need for economic development on the south side of Evansville. But they’re not only focused on helping the local foodpreneurs and economy grow, they’re also committed to helping create sustainable change through food conservation efforts and a hydroponic garden that can be sustainably harvested year-round.
And Wilson understands first-hand just how life-changing shared-use kitchens can be. The idea for Bedford Collab was born out of necessity while Wilson and his brother, Jeff Gott, were nurturing their catering startup TurnTable. Over time, they were forced to relocate to two different shared kitchens unexpectedly.
When you’re just getting started, the last thing you need to be worrying about is where you’re going to create your food. That’s why he and his business partner, Korach, are committed to creating Bedford Collab as a low-entry access point.
What to Expect from Bedford Collab
A shared-use kitchen is different from a traditional community kitchen that will make all the difference in the Evansville community. With Bedford Collab’s renovation nearing completion, here’s what you can expect from the Bedford Collab shared-use kitchen:
- Shared Resources
Community kitchens (unlike shared-use kitchens) don’t always have the same budget or access to high-end equipment. With a roomier budget and high-end equipment, shared-use kitchens provide better opportunities for foodpreneurs in communities with limited resources. They’re simply better suited to help foodpreneurs of all skills and backgrounds succeed and thrive in today’s challenging business environment.
- Mentorship & Professional Training Opportunities
Shared-use kitchens aren’t just about fancy, high-tech equipment; it’s also about providing a place for mentors and other professionals to gather and share their expertise. Oftentimes, mentorship and training can be the difference between a foodpreneur succeeding - or moving on to another location or profession. Professional training opportunities help retain local talent by investing in their growth and development and offering new career opportunities.
- Business Incubation
Shared-use kitchens are one of the best ways to give exposure and deep experience to foodpreneurs who are in the initial launch phase of a business. Sometimes, getting started is the most challenging part for fledgling business owners. That’s why, for foodpreneurs, trying to break into the saturated foodpreneur market can feel like an impossible task. Places like Bedford Collab provide a variety of opportunities to showcase skills and unique food concepts that can help them get ahead in their careers.
- Food Sharing Initiatives
Bedford Collab isn’t just focused on nurturing talent; it’s also committed to reducing food waste by supporting those in need. Food surpluses accumulated at Bedford Collab will be shared with community kitchens, where nutritional resources can be distributed to local families and individuals with the greatest need. The repurposing of surplus food serves multiple purposes. Not only does it help eradicate food insecurity, but it also promotes sustainability through food conservation efforts and the elimination of food waste.
- Joint Events & Programs
Shared-use kitchens like Bedford Collab are also foundational in many community events, like cooking classes, food festivals, and fundraising dinners. Growing and creating food isn’t just about one person; the magic of food is that it can bring people together and unite communities. Shared-use kitchens play an essential role in fostering a sense of community and creating deeper connections between foodpreneurs and those that they serve.
Stop by Bedford Collab Shared Kitchen in Evansville & Support Your Local Community
Big changes are coming to the south side of Evansville thanks to the innovative entrepreneurs behind the Bedford Collab shared-use kitchen. Their commitment to radically changing the economic and nutritional environment will help give the community the tools that it needs to not only survive but thrive.
Follow the Bedford Collab Facebook page for the latest updates from Bedford Collab, check out the news story on Bedford Collab by 14News, and stop by to support the community
