San Jose Celebrates the Grand Opening of Prosperity Lab’s Incubation & Commissary Kitchen at CET
San José Celebrates the Grand Opening of Prosperity Lab’s Incubation & Commissary Kitchen at CET
SAN JOSE, CA – On December 6th, 2024, Prosperity Lab and the Center for Employment Training (CET), in collaboration with the City of San José’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs proudly unveiled the first Community-Center Incubation & Commissary Kitchen, a groundbreaking initiative
designed to empower food entrepreneurs and drive economic growth in the heart of downtown San José.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at CET Culinary School featured remarks from key leaders, including Assemblymember Ash Kalra, Representative of the 25th California Assembly District; Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, City of San Jose; Councilmember Peter Ortiz, District 5 San José City Council; Director Nanci Klein, City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural
Affairs; Director Chris Horton, District Director at US Small Business Administration; President & CEO Leah Toeniskoetter, San Jose Chamber of Commerce; Director Edward Romero, Center for Employment Training; and Mimi Hernandez, Executive Director of Prosperity Lab.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
This fully equipped kitchen offers free access to entrepreneurs in Santa Clara county looking to prepare and produce food, eliminating the significant startup costs typically associated with building or leasing a facility. In addition, participants can access business development training, and specialized workshops celebrating the rich diversity of gastronomy as a cultural good.
“This program is more than a kitchen—it’s a catalyst for opportunity,” said Nanci Klein, Director of the City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs. “It reflects San José’s unwavering commitment to supporting small businesses, driving inclusive economic growth, and celebrating the cultural diversity that makes our city extraordinary.”
Positive Impact on the Local Economy
The kitchen is poised to serve as a powerful economic engine, creating jobs and fostering innovation in the food sector. By equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need, the program not only supports individual success but also strengthens the city’s economic base, bolstering local and regional economies.
Prosperity Lab’s Executive Director Mimi Hernandez emphasized the importance of community collaborations, stating, “When we empower entrepreneurs, we strengthen our entire community. This space will be a hub of creativity, resilience, and economic vitality for San Jose and beyond.”
Fostering Collaboration and Inclusion
The Incubation & Commissary Kitchen embodies the spirit of collaboration, providing entrepreneurs with a shared space to pool knowledge, resources, and support. It also highlights Silicon Valley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by enabling underrepresented entrepreneurs to share their culinary traditions and expand their business opportunities.
“This initiative is a launchpad for entrepreneurs with passion and vision to succeed, but who need the resources to begin,” said Deacon Ruben Solorio, President and CEO of CET. “At CET, we’re honored to collaborate with Prosperity Lab and the City of San José to create a space where individuals and communities from all backgrounds can build pathways to economic independence.”
A significant focus of the program is empowering women, by offering them the tools and opportunities to turn their culinary skills into scalable business ventures and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship. “The Incubation Kitchen opens doors for women to take charge of their economic futures by becoming business owners. It provides the knowledge that is needed to turn skills into profit, empowering women to build scalable businesses that benefit not only their families but also our entire community.” Mentioned Gabriela Chavez-Lopez, Executive Director of Latina Coalition Silicon Valley.
About the Incubation & Commissary Kitchen
The program is designed to benefit food entrepreneurs by:
- Reducing startup barriers with cost-free, regulatory-compliant facilities.
- Enhancing skills through business development training and industry support.• Celebrating culture with workshops on gastronomy as a cultural good.
- Strengthening community through shared resources and cooperative purchasing power.
This program is offered at no cost for the first six months. Community members interested in joining can reach out to Prosperity Lab at:
- Email: Mesaredonda@prosperitylab.org
- Telephone: (408) 646-3200
- Office: 701 Locust Street, San Jose, CA
About Prosperity Lab: Prosperity Lab is dedicated to advancing economic development for underserved communities. By fostering opportunities for small businesses, it enables entrepreneurs to build stable, prosperous enterprises, ensuring equitable access to resources and support. www.prosperitylab.org
About CET: CET is a leader in career and technical education, human development, and workforce innovation that accelerates an individual’s skills and builds pathways to economic independence. It provides training and support to help students of all backgrounds succeed in work and life. https://cetweb.edu/location/san-jose-ca?utm_source=sjlocal&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
About the San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs
The San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) is committed to a vital, competitive San José economy that increases prosperity for people and companies. OEDCA guides the city’s economic strategy, provides assistance for business success, connects employers with trained workers, and provides art and cultural resources to our community. For more information, go to
http://www.sjeconomy.com.
