Collective Kitchens: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Transforming North Minneapolis

In a groundbreaking move, construction has begun on a new million shared commercial kitchen in north Minneapolis. This ambitious project, known as Collective Kitchens, is the brainchild of the North Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), an organization dedicated to supporting underserved and low-income entrepreneurs in building wealth within their community.

Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential in North Minneapolis

Fostering a Thriving Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs

Collective Kitchens is more than just a physical space; it's a transformative initiative that aims to create generational wealth, build careers, and leave a lasting legacy in the community. Mariam Omari, a co-founder of K's Revolutionary Catering in north Minneapolis and a long-time NEON client, eloquently captures the essence of this project. "This building is going to be more than just a physical space, it's about creating generational wealth, building careers and leaving behind an enduring legacy," she said.NEON has been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurs like Omari, who is celebrating her business's 10th anniversary this year. "They help to build an ecosystem to support entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs like us, an ecosystem that's going to be able to weather any storm that we have coming," Omari explained, underscoring the organization's commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial environment.

Addressing Food Deserts and Promoting Healthy, Affordable Options

The Collective Kitchens project has garnered support from elected city and state officials, including Senator Tina Smith, who recognized the pressing need for resources and opportunities in Minneapolis' northside. "Parts of north Minneapolis are food deserts, regions where people have limited access to healthy, affordable foods," Smith noted. "This kitchen is going to be a place where new businesses are generated, where people get training, where there's new economic activity and there's more opportunity."The new commercial kitchen will serve as a hub for economic activity, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their culinary dreams into reality. Michael Feng, the owner of BianDang, a Taiwanese pop-up food truck, is eager to leverage the opportunities presented by Collective Kitchens. "Being able to just kind of house our trailer here on site and with their incubator … providing guidance for whether it's wholesale or just any avenue that we decided to go on, this would be, a great opportunity," Feng said.

Collective Kitchens: A Catalyst for Community Transformation

The Collective Kitchens project is poised to be a game-changer for north Minneapolis, with the potential to generate new businesses, provide training, and foster economic activity. State Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and NEON President Warren McLean have all expressed their support for this transformative initiative.As the construction on the million shared commercial kitchen begins, the community is filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. Collective Kitchens represents a bold step towards empowering entrepreneurs, addressing food insecurity, and creating a more vibrant and prosperous future for the residents of north Minneapolis.