The Small Business Development Center at Temple University and the Culinary Collective are partnering to launch a new Commissary Scholar program.

The scholarship program will grant one local Philadelphia-area culinary business free six-month coworking kitchen space at Culinary Collective, in addition to TUSBDC courses and business consulting services. 

“When the Culinary Collective approached us with this idea, we knew we wanted to be involved and have since enjoyed shaping this new program as a team,” said Jamie Shanker-Passero, Director of Programs for TUSBDC. “Many of our clients are in the food industry and we’ve seen how challenging it can be for them to find reliable space to cook their food.”

Selection will be based on the culinary business’ ability to convey current needs plus a sustainable path for their growth after the program ends. 

“We also know that delicious food is only one piece to ensuring a profitable food business. The combination of commissary space and business education will set the selected food entrepreneur on a path to sweet [and savory] success,” Shanker-Passero added.

Applicants must be an existing Temple SBDC client or register as a new Temple SBDC client. 

Participation requirements include:

• Must be located in Philadelphia or surrounding counties
• Minimum of 1-2 consulting meetings monthly with TUSBDC
• Must complete or have already taken at least one of four TUSBDC programs by the end of the 6-month period:
  • Business 102, Creating a Pitch, BRIGHT business planning class, or the 2022 Santander Cultivate Small Business Program

“We at Culinary Collective are always looking for creative ways to support our local culinary community. Since day one we’ve talked about having a program in place that will provide a boost to help uplift a local food business in need of support to the next level,” said Brandon Weizer, chief operating officer at Culinary Collective. “We’re excited to partner with Temple SBDC on this endeavor to make this happen.”

The partnership is a product of both organization’s missions coming together. Culinary Collective aims to meet the growing needs of local culinary entrepreneurs, while Temple SBDC works to provide the community with no-cost business services and solutions. 

The new commissary scholar program application opened on Jan. 10 and will close March 1, 2023. Applicants must reside or have businesses in Philadelphia or the surrounding counties or Metropolitan area. 

The scholarship recipient will be announced on April 1, 2023, while the scholarship lease will be for May 1 through Nov. 1, 2023.

To apply, click here.