Executive Summary

Since 2005, La Cocina has focused on small business incubation with a vision to reduce barriers to business ownership for women of color and immigrant women. La Cocina is both the space (a modern building and commercial kitchen) and the program (an innovative business incubator), which together provide talented entrepreneurs the necessary tools to launch their businesses, achieve financial independence, and claim their place in a more inclusive economic landscape.

Our staff, leadership, and Board of Directors are majority women of color. Two La Cocina graduates are board members. Our Executive Director is the daughter of Mexican immigrants entrepreneurs, and our Program Director, a queer, immigrant woman is a former program participant.

While many incubators prioritize curriculum completion and business launch, La Cocina takes the long road to ensure true business economic sustainability. Entrepreneurs are active in our program for an average of 5 years and can receive around 100 hours of annual TA – even receiving support after graduation. Although our program has found efficiencies with a cohort model, it is tailored to the individual needs of each entrepreneur. All aspects of curriculum, how we advocate for opportunities, and how we cultivate the power of these women is rooted in a deep understanding of their individual talent and the belief that they are powerful advocates for themselves, their families, and their communities. The entrepreneurs in our program put kids through college, provide jobs, support local vendors, build community, win awards, and make their leadership visible to future generations.

Organizations may provide budget and employee data based on this proposal or the organization as a whole. For more information on this proposal or organization, please email us.