Can-Do Kalamazoo’s mission is activating inclusive programs, resources, and physical space to support our community’s diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners. We provide business incubation, hands-on business development, commercial kitchen space, and funding to entrepreneurs. We work collaboratively with our members and partners and are a hub for small business networking. Starting and growing your business with Can-Do Kalamazoo increases the likelihood of success by providing a lower risk environment to test your ideas. We’ll show you a roadmap, help you identify your next steps, and guide you in developing your business model. We’re aware of the regulations and challenges you will face along the way and are there to support entrepreneurs.
Commercial Kitchen
Our 1,800-square foot kitchen facility has prep and production space that suits makers of packaged foods, meal deliveries, direct-to-consumer meats, beverages, acidified canned goods, and catered foods. Cold, frozen, and dry storage, a blast chiller, and 60-quart mixer are also available. The kitchen is available for hourly rental, eliminating the need to sign a lease and all the overhead that comes with it.
Group Tour & Info Sessions
Our free monthly tours allow interested entrepreneurs to learn about our program, see our kitchen and rates (for food producers) and develop next steps.
Can-Do Camp
Our 16-week startup business incubation course helps new entrepreneurs from all industries develop their ideas. It also supports existing businesses to step back and build foundations so they can go to the next level. We provide guidance via presentations, resource guides, mentors, industry connections, milestones, and incubation meetings to help with:
- Market research strategies
- Target customer and brand development
- Business entity, structure, insurance
- Licensing guidance
- Food packaging and labeling
- Budgeting and pricing
- Online marketing and web pages
- Business Model Canvas
- Feedback from peers
- Transitioning to commercial food production
Plus, we have incubation support, business coaching mixers, scholarships and more! You can learn more about our values, our programs, and our Family of Businesses.
