About The Starting Block

Our shared vision is to be the premier regional resource, for growing any new idea, in the food product or natural resource areas, into a profitable, local and wealth-creating business.

The Starting Block Incubator supports entrepreneurs in food and natural resource businesses.

OUR MISSION

To incubate and support the entrepreneurial spirit, in the food systems and natural resources sector, by providing licensed commercial kitchen facilities, entrepreneurial education and peer-to-peer networking to new and expanding businesses in the multi-county, West Central Michigan region.

Community Partners – Initial funding for The Starting Block came from a federal USDA Rural Development grant, and state grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and MIFFS.  Without these partners, The Starting Block could not operate.

The Starting Block offers:

• A Commercial Kitchen – The shared-use commercial kitchen helps meet food processing needs at low hourly rental rates.  Kitchen usage fees range from range from $10 per hour for tabletop kitchen use and food packaging, to $12 per hour for general kitchen use, and $15 per hour for baking, catering, and steam kettle and filler processing. Certified staff in food handling and equipment operation is available for assistance and training.

• Office Rental – Office rental includes wireless internet access, local phone, conference room, and office support.  A 90 square foot office rents for $110 per month and a 225 square foot office for $275 per month.
  

• Education – Small business management, networking, and individual business guidance are offered, along with Entrepreneurship, Small Business Management, and Marketing classes.

• Equipment – Tenants receive training and have access to commercial ovens, freezers, ranges, mixers, kettles, industrial food processors, and more.

• Licenses – The shared-use kitchen is licensed and approved by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

• Product Development – Technical advice is offered on food production, pH levels, batch-up recipes, and packaging and labeling.

• Warehouse & Storage – Refrigerator, freezer, and dry pallet storage is available for rent at the rate of $10 per month for non-secured dry storage, and $15 per month for secured dry storage.  Refrigerator and freezer storage rents for $1.50 per cubic foot per month and $75.00 per pallet per month.

Visit our Get Started Page to find out how you can start benefiting by using our facility.

Read our article about history of the Starting Block as a printable pdf file. Follow this link and view the Starting Block You Tube Video or scroll down to view the embedded videos. Click here for the Wood TV 8 West video.

Click here to download the Starting Block history article in pdf format.