A new kitchen and food incubator initiative, the Food Incubator + Network Centre (FoodINC), aims to serve as a launchpad for Melbourne food business startups and entrepreneurs to boost the recovery and help hospitality industry.
Following the detrimental impacts of COVID-19, the organisations behind the initiative – Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne Innovation Centre and Melbourne’s North Food Group, with support from the City of Whittlesea – hope FoodINC will help those dreaming of joining Melbourne’s food scene to get their foot in the door.
Located on Melbourne Polytechnic’s Preston and Epping campuses, the incubators are currently being refurbished to be fit-for-purpose. The launch of the Preston incubator is expected in early 2022, with Epping’s to follow shortly after.
FoodINC offers users access to the highest food-safety grade commercial kitchen spaces to take their food ventures to the next level. From recipe experimentation to batch food production, the incubators aim to break down the barriers preventing small business owners from accessing premium facilities to expand their skill sets.
The initiative provides pivotal opportunities for those looking to pilot or grow their food businesses. By receiving the support and guidance they need, small business owners can begin to take steps towards expansion.
Melbourne Polytechnic will monitor the needs of FoodINC users and offer training opportunities as required across compliance, food safety and occupational health and safety. These specialist short courses and vocational learning will be led by the institute’s industry-expert educators. Melbourne Innovation Centre will also deliver small business and entrepreneurship professional development around strategy, digital solutions and business growth.
Coupled with the training on offer, commercial kitchen access will provide a pathway for new and existing hospitality workers to transition into launching their businesses. All Melburnians, including current and future Melbourne Polytechnic students, will have the opportunity to access FoodINC.
Kerryn Lester-Smith, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Melbourne Polytechnic, explains how the institute is supporting newfound passions coming out of the pandemic:
“We’re seeing a new wave of entrepreneurs as a result of COVID-19, with many Melburnians having that extra time to harbour an idea or consider making a career change.
“After a time of uncertainty, Melburnians are considering their true passions. Now more than ever is the time to invest in brighter career aspirations.
“The FoodINC initiative is tailored to support business owners at multiple stages in their journey to starting or growing a successful business,” comments Kerryn.
“From those looking to explore an idea but unsure where to begin to people operating small businesses from home and looking to upscale, FoodINC nurtures many facets of small business recovery.
“For many, the option to invest in costly kitchen appliances and hospitality equipment is out of the question, but we don’t want that to stop budding entrepreneurs in their tracks. Access to commercial kitchens on our campuses will help provide the tools businesses need to flourish without breaking budgets,” Kerryn says.
Lou Zarro, Manager of the Kitchen & Food Incubator from Melbourne Innovation Centre, reiterates the importance of the FoodINC initiative in light of the changing hospitality landscape:
“As the Melbourne hospitality and food manufacturing sectors come to terms with the disruption of COVID-19 – from staffing issues to the rise of food delivery services and the changing tastes of the community – the ability to readjust to industry trends is crucial.
“The collective strength of Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne Innovation Centre and Melbourne’s North Food Group will help ensure that aspiring and early phase food startups can access a wealth of training, professional development and industry expertise to fuel their business success,” Lou concludes.
For more information on the FoodINC initiative and to register interest, visit