HART — The Starting Block, Michigan’s first kitchen incubator, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this October, marking two decades of helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses.
Since receiving its first state and federal grant in 2004, the nonprofit has played a pivotal role in supporting food-based startups and strengthening the regional economy in Oceana County.
Early support from federal partners helped establish and grow The Starting Block’s operations. Funding included a USDA Rural Development grant of more than $280,000, as well as support from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, which helped fund essential kitchen equipment and supplies that continue to serve entrepreneurs today.
Operating through a combination of public funding and strong local partnerships, The Starting Block’s success has been anchored by its 18-year partnership with the City of Hart, established in 2008. Together, they have created an environment that fosters innovation and removes barriers for entrepreneurs entering the food industry.
Today, there are 17 kitchen incubators across the State of Michigan, all contributing to local economic growth and entrepreneurship. While these facilities can be challenging to operate, they also reflect strong and positive momentum statewide as communities continue to invest in small business development.
“The Starting Block is the first kitchen incubator in Michigan, and we’re proud to celebrate 20 years of service to entrepreneurs this October,” said Executive Director Jane Dosemagen. “We are a nonprofit economic development organization committed to small businesses, providing entrepreneurs, producers, and processors with fully equipped food processing kitchens.”
“We help entrepreneurs start or expand their food businesses at a reasonable cost, without the upfront investment in costly facilities and equipment,” Dosemagen added. “That accessibility is critical for people with great ideas but limited resources.”
Entrepreneurs using The Starting Block today are producing a wide variety of goods, reflecting the diversity and creativity of its clients. “We welcome new clients to our kitchen — anyone interested in making a food product to sell,” Dosemagen said.
“Currently, producers are making chips, salsa, coffees and teas, hot honey, baked goods, and more. We have coffee roasters, caterers, and food trucks.”
The organization’s impact is reflected not only in its client success stories, but also in its broader economic contribution. Over the past 20 years, The Starting Block has played a vital role in the economy of Oceana County, helping entrepreneurs launch sustainable businesses, create jobs, and introduce new products to market.
Board President Bill Small emphasized this impact. “The Starting Block has been a cornerstone of small business development in our region,” he said. “By helping entrepreneurs understand requirements like food safety and licensing, it has created real, lasting opportunities for growth.”
For many entrepreneurs, The Starting Block provides essential education that transforms uncertainty into confidence. That was the case for Lauren and Tony
DeMatteo, owners of Dark Water Coffee, who credit the incubator with helping them navigate the complexities of launching a food-based business.
“When we first started, we didn’t know how to get started,” said Lauren DeMatteo. “We didn’t understand food safety or what was required to produce our product.”
“The Starting Block gave us a place to learn all of that. It wasn’t just a kitchen, it was where we gained the knowledge and confidence to move forward,” added Tony DeMatteo.
As The Starting Block celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is also looking ahead to the future and continued impact.
“We will be announcing soon our new director, along with more information about upcoming events,” Dosemagen said. “We are excited about the positive momentum we are seeing and look forward to the next 20 years of supporting entrepreneurs.”
Anyone interested in launching or expanding their food business is encouraged to connect with The Starting Block for access to its licensed commercial kitchen, business support services, and office space.
The Starting Block is located at 1535 Industrial Park Dr. The phone number is (231) 873-1432.
- Contributed photos and content
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