Step-by-Step Procedure for Enrolling in the Incubator Kitchen Program in the Maker Kitchen, powered by Lake Trust Credit Union.

The Maker Kitchen, powered by Lake Trust, is available for entry level and/or small businesses interested in creating packaged food products or ready to eat food. Our Incubator kitchen program is curriculum-based, with milestones and objectives for growth and business development. If you’re interested in joining our program with your food business, follow these steps:

1. Start by enrolling in the Greater Area TREKHUB resource guide.  This will help you learn more about the entrepreneurship opportunities and resources available in the area.  Even if you are in an idea phase this is your first step towards getting up and running!

Enroll in TREKHUB here!

2. Schedule a tour to meet and speak with our program managers, get your questions answered, become familiar with our program curriculum, and our facilities, including the Maker Kitchen and the Wash-Pack Kitchen. We want to ensure the success of all of our incubator program participants by making sure that the facilities and our program curriculum will meet your needs and goals. During this initial meeting, we can also direct you to the appropriate commercial licensing agency, given the nature of your product. Bring all of your materials and any questions you have! Tours are hosted bi-weekly. Follow the link below to schedule a tour:

Incubator Tour Sign Up

3. Begin the process of obtaining appropriate commercial licensing through either Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) or Ingham County Health Department (ICHD).
   1. Packaged products require licensing by MDARD. Be sure to read MDARD’s New Business Guide prior to contacting your inspector. Ask us for a copy.
   2. Ready to eat products require licensing by ICHD and will undergo a plan review for the proposed menu.
4. Once you have worked with the licensing agency and completed all of their forms, they will ask you to schedule our kitchen for your licensing meeting. The meeting with your licensor (ICHD or MDARD) will last 1or 2 hours. During this time, the licensor will observe your food preparation, likely offering suggestions and guidance. At the end of the licensing meeting, the licensor may approve you immediately (and give you a temporary license) or require additional steps. A flat rate of $25/ hour will be charged for the licensing meeting.
   1. First Note: MDARD will require that packaged products that are manufactured in our kitchens require our address to be included on the label of the product. Make sure that the label reads: 1629 E. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48912.
   2. Second Note: Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your licensing meeting to receive a kitchen orientation from our kitchen manager. This will include a review of our procedures, introduction to our kitchen equipment and supplies, and generally getting more familiar and comfortable with the space. Doing this in advance of your licensing meeting will enable you to make efficient use of your time with the licensor.
5. Secure commercial liability insurance, naming Allen Neighborhood Center as “additional insured”. A good first step is to check with your home or auto insurer to determine whether commercial liability can be bundled into your other policies. If this option is unavailable to you, we can recommend a local insurer who has worked with several of our incubation program participants.
6. Read carefully and complete our Kitchen User Agreement form. The form describes much of what you will need to know in order to rent the kitchens, e.g., scheduling, cancellations, and other policies of a shared-use kitchen.
   1. Note: there is a $50 start-up fee due when you turn in the Kitchen User Agreement.

Kitchen User Agreement Form

Once all requirements are met – license approved, insurance secured, application completed, and start-up fee paid – you may reserve time in one of our kitchens. At that time, consider not only kitchen needs, but storage needs (e.g., walk-in cooler space, refrigerator or chest freezer space, pallet shelving, closed cabinet shelving, etc.) You may also vend at our shared maker table in the Allen Farmers Market and post in our Food Hub wholesale, online market at no cost.

Click here to view our Rate Sheet.

If you have any further questions, please contact kitchens@allenneighborhoodcenter.org or call 517-999- 3921.