Weekly Resource #31 Food Lab Detroit
Foodlab is a Detroit organization that aims to accomplish many food-centric goals. Primarily, their aim is to create an environment among the food entrepreneurs of Detroit that facilitates cooperation in order to streamline the city’s growing good food movement. They accomplish this in many ways and since their establishment in 2011, they have continued to regularly introduce new ways for the community to interact and for new food entrepreneurs to develop their business.
Foodlab had a hand in establishing Kitchen connect, which we’ve already covered in a previous weekly resource, but they also own multiple resources designed to support Detroit’s food entrepreneurs. Monthly meetings take place every second Monday to discuss topics related to owning a food business in Detroit. Childcare and snacks are provided at these meetings making them accessible to many different lifestyles and personal schedules. Check out their calendar for a full list of events and meeting locations. Weekly office hours are another scheduled resource. Every Friday from 8:00am-10:00am staff and leaders in the Detroit food industry are available at these office hours to answer questions, give advice, and to discuss industry relevant topics.
Another resource provided by Food Lab is their annual “Building your Good Food Business Bootcamp”. This camp focuses on educating food entrepreneurs on how to become a “good food business”. Entrepreneurs who care about community and environmental impact are encouraged to interact and form a broader network of food business experts to strengthen their vision for a thriving enterprise.