WASHINGTON , D.C. – The Starting Block kitchen incubator and entrepreneurial center has received a $210,341 investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to help fund a $460,341 project to purchase the building in which it currently operates and fund programming costs.

“The kitchen incubator and entrepreneurial center serves as a great facility in which to launch niche businesses in West Michigan ,” said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra , R-Holland. “The federal investment will help more small companies get off the ground and set them on a path toward success.”

The Starting Block West Michigan Regional Kitchen Incubator, located at 1535 Industrial Park Drive , serves an eight-county region that extends from Manistee to Holland . It fosters entrepreneurship in both agriculture product processing and the region’s food service industry.

The Starting Block’s commercial kitchen facility is available to producers and packagers of specialty and gourmet food, caterers, and church, school and civic groups. It provides a commercial test kitchen for start-up and existing food processors; low-cost office rent that includes computer, Internet access, phone and office support; and expert resources through Michigan State University’s business, food science and food packing schools, and the University of Michigan.

“Purchasing the building will create a significant savings that will enable us to dedicate more funds to programming costs and less on bricks and mortar expenses,” The Starting Block President Ronald Steiner said. “It will enhance the services we provide to help start-up companies succeed in West Michigan.” 

The DOC Economic Development Administration (EDA) estimates that the project will create 150 jobs and leverage $600,000 in private investment.

The EDA serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States . Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success.