Nussbaum Center Boosts Food Entrepreneur Support

The Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship has reported significant growth and support for local food entrepreneurs in the first nine months of 2026. Eighty entrepreneurs received 88 hours of no-cost technical assistance specific to operating a food business, underscoring the center's commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem for local food producers.

The facility, which now serves 13 food producers, 12 of whom are female food entrepreneurs, has seen substantial growth. This expansion is largely attributed to a grant from the Women to Women Foundation of Greensboro, which supported the purchase and installation of a new convection oven in January of 2026. This upgrade doubled the kitchen's capacity, making it even more accessible to the growing number of food producers.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture's shared-use kitchen provides producers with access to commercial equipment and support that can help them meet regulatory requirements, increase production, and reach wider markets. ServSafe certification is a crucial step toward obtaining North Carolina Department of Agriculture certification for food businesses, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

The shared-use kitchen is accepting applications from new users seeking commercial kitchen access and practical business support. Food entrepreneurs can apply online at Out of the Garden Project, where they can also find eligibility information, availability details, fees, ServSafe requirements, and application specifics.

The Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship has seen significant growth and support for local food entrepreneurs in the first nine months of 2026. Eighty entrepreneurs received 88 hours of no-cost technical assistance specific to operating a food business, while the facility now serves 13 food producers, 12 of whom are female food entrepreneurs. The center attributes this growth to a grant from the Women to Women Foundation of Greensboro, which supported the installation of a new convection oven in January, doubling the kitchen's capacity. ServSafe certification is a crucial step toward obtaining North Carolina Department of Agriculture certification for food businesses, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The shared-use kitchen is accepting applications from new users, who can find eligibility information, availability details, fees, ServSafe requirements, and application specifics at Out of the Garden Project. Lisa Hazlett, the center's chief executive, can be reached at +1 336-379-5001 for more information.