Connecting Kentucky farmers, food producers, and retail opportunities through practical support, stronger sourcing relationships, and market-ready growth.

Kentucky growers and food entrepreneurs often face the same challenge from opposite sides.

Farmers may have crops or ingredients that could support a food product, but no clear path to the right buyer.

Food producers may have a strong product, but need reliable access to Kentucky-grown ingredients, stronger business planning, or help preparing for retail opportunities.

Chef Space Too was built to help close that gap.

Through Community Ventures, Mustard Seed Hill, and Chef Space, this program helps connect farmers, producers, and market opportunities so more Kentucky-grown ingredients can move into value-added products and onto shelves in larger markets.

Chef Space's Impact:

200+

BUSINESSES
LAUNCHED

700+

ENTREPRENEURS SERVED

450+

JOBS CREATED

50+

GRADUATES

This program may be a fit for you if you are:

A farmer growing ingredients that could support a food product

A small-batch or home-based food producer ready to grow

A food entrepreneur in late ideation or already selling a product

A producer looking for local sourcing support, business planning help, or retail-readiness guidance

"Without Chef Space, my food truck would still just be a drawing on my kitchen table. They gave me the space to grow safely."

— Maria R., Founder of Taco Solely.

"The mentorship here is just as valuable as the stoves. I
learned how to actually run a business, not just cook."

— James T., Artisanal Bakery

Participants may receive support in areas such as:

Local sourcing and supply-chain matching

Kitchen incubator access

Technical assistance
Farmer-producer introductions
Financial forecasting support
Kitchen incubator access through Mustard Seed Hill or Chef Space, when appropriate
Guidance toward additional business resources through Community Ventures

Supported By

Funded through the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service Local Food Promotion Program

A stronger local food system helps Kentucky farmers find dependable buyers, helps food businesses grow with stronger sourcing relationships, and helps more locally made products reach communities that need them.

Powered by Community Ventures

Community Ventures provides the entrepreneurial support, technical assistance, and business development resources that help participating food businesses move from early growth to retail readiness. Its statewide network also connects participants with additional services, partnerships, and opportunities for long-term expansion.

Partnered with Chef Space

Chef Space brings proven food-business incubation experience, commercial kitchen expertise, and established retail relationships to the initiative. Participants may receive guidance on production, packaging, pricing, compliance, and preparing products for placement in grocery stores and other retail markets.

Partnered with Mustard Seed Hill

Mustard Seed Hill serves as the rural hub for the initiative, connecting farmers, food producers, and entrepreneurs with commercial kitchen access, training, and hands-on support. Its Millersburg location expands these resources to Bourbon County and surrounding communities while strengthening connections between rural producers and larger markets.

Learn more and tell us about your business or farm.

Complete the interest form and someone from our team will follow up within 24 to 48 hours.

FAQ

01

What is a value-added food product?

A value-added food product is a food item that has been transformed beyond its raw ingredients, such as sauces, jams, baked goods, spice blends, pickled items, frozen products, or packaged foods.

03

Do I need kitchen space to participate?

No. Some participants may benefit from technical assistance or connection-building even if they do not need incubator space.

05

Do you provide funding?

No direct funding is provided through this program but we are happy to connect you with our business lending team at Community Ventures.

02

Do I need to already have a business license or insurance?

No. If you are a strong fit for the program, those needs may be addressed as part of technical assistance.

04

Do I need to already be selling something?

Not always, but the strongest early fit includes people who already have a product or are very close to launch.

06

Does this program guarantee my product will get on store shelves?

No. The program provides guidance, support, and connections, but outcomes depend on many business factors.