Prescott Farmers Market is thrilled to introduce the NoCo Community Kitchen and Incubator Program!
This program was initially made possible by a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. Often called “NoCo” for short, the kitchen is named after its historic location at 218 North Cortez Street in Prescott, Arizona. NoCo is more than a commercial kitchen; through the Incubator Program, existing food businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs receive business skills training, professional mentorship, and technical assistance to maximize their opportunities for success.
Click below to learn more about NoCo Community Kitchen and the small food business Incubator Program.
KITCHEN FAQs
Thank you for your interest in NoCo Community Kitchen! Please read the information below to see if our space is a good fit for your needs. Contact the Kitchen Manager if you have further questions.
WHERE IS THE KITCHEN?
The kitchen is located at 218 N. Cortez Street in downtown Prescott, AZ, near the intersection of Sheldon and Cortez.
CAN MY ORGANIZATION USE NOCO COMMUNITY KITCHEN?
We prioritize access for local food producers and small businesses utilizing local ingredients. We also welcome educational institutions, non-profit organizations, caterers, special events programs, and community collaborations.
HOW DO I APPLY TO RENT THE KITCHEN?
After reading these FAQs and the Kitchen Use and Rental Guidelines, complete the Kitchen Use Request Survey. The Kitchen Manager will then contact you to discuss the next steps.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT THE KITCHEN?
Rental rates vary depending on how you plan to use the space. They range from a one-time charge to a monthly minimum. There is a $200 administrative fee if you plan to use the kitchen regularly and long-term; this includes participation in the NoCo Community Kitchen’s Incubator Program.
WHEN IS THE KITCHEN AVAILABLE?
Scheduling kitchen time is done through a shared calendar and overseen by the Kitchen Manager.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT IS IN THE KITCHEN?
The kitchen has a gas range, griddle, gas ovens, and charbroiler. It also has an electric double-stack convection oven, a proofing cabinet, a mixer, and a microwave oven. A variety of preparation tools are available for use. Please contact the Kitchen Manager if you have specific equipment questions.
WHAT REQUIREMENTS DO YOU HAVE FOR USING THE KITCHEN?
Please refer to the Kitchen Use & Rental Guidelines for specific requirements.
KITCHEN USE & RENTAL GUIDELINES
OVERVIEW
NoCo Community Kitchen is available to those who agree to abide by its policies and procedures. These guidelines will help you determine if the kitchen can serve your needs. After reading this information, please complete the Kitchen Use Request Survey. The Kitchen Manager will review your request and follow up with you directly.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The steps required to use the NoCo Community Kitchen are
- Read this information and the Kitchen FAQs.
- Fill out the Kitchen Use Request Survey.
- The Kitchen Manager will respond to your request and schedule a time to discuss your needs.
- Upon approval, you will receive an invitation to complete the rental process and to register for the Incubator Program if appropriate.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- All users must follow food safety and health code requirements. The person completing the rental agreement must have a Professional Food Manager or ServSafe Manager Certification unless notified otherwise.
- All businesses interested in using the kitchen on a regular, recurring basis must have (or be in the process of obtaining) a food establishment permit from Yavapai County.
- All users must have general/product liability insurance with NoCo Community Kitchen listed as additional insured.
- All users must leave the kitchen and facility clean and organized.
- All users must supply the ingredients they intend to use.
AVAILABILITY AND SCHEDULING
NoCo Community Kitchen reserves the right to restrict access to the kitchen during pre-scheduled programs and for maintenance and cleaning. Scheduling kitchen use is done online and approved by the Kitchen Manager. You do not need to schedule time on the calendar if you drop off ingredients, accept deliveries, or clean your storage area.
RENTAL RATES
Prescott Farmers Market is excited to build relationships with all members of the local food community! Rental rates depend on how you will use the kitchen. For regular users, the base monthly rate is $320 ($20/hour, 16 hours/month.) Additional time is billed at the hourly rate. The rental includes an assigned amount of cold and dry storage. For those interested in using the kitchen on a shorter-term or irregular basis, the rate is determined based on your needs.
TERMS OF USE
As a community partner and kitchen user, you must follow all health and safety regulations and ensure they are followed by anyone assisting you in the kitchen. You must bring your ingredients and keep your storage areas clean and organized. You are expected to pay for the kitchen’s use in a timely manner and follow all policies and procedures discussed during the orientation session. As a community kitchen, NoCo will provide access to a clean, licensed, well-maintained facility with a supportive, community-focused atmosphere. The Kitchen Manager is present to ensure everyone using the kitchen works together toward the same goal: supporting our local food community!
INCUBATOR PROGRAM FAQs
WHAT IS THE INCUBATOR PROGRAM?
The program consists of a short course followed by regular, personalized business coaching. The Incubator Course provides food business-specific skills training and access to professionals specializing in taxes, business licensing, marketing, and more. During the course, you will create a business plan (or revisit your existing one) to help you make your business a success. The business plan you create is the foundation for your business coaching.
The incubator course is also the first step toward building community in the kitchen. Participants are encouraged to share their knowledge, experience, and mutual support to make NoCo a true community kitchen.
HOW DOES THE INCUBATOR PROGRAM WORK?
The program is designed for working professionals. Currently, it is being conducted virtually via Zoom in one-hour meetings over four weeks. Course materials and class recordings are available online.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE, AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The incubator program costs $200 and is open to anyone interested in taking it. For regular kitchen users, the administrative fee due at the signing of the rental agreement includes participation in the program.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE INCUBATOR PROGRAM?
The program is offered regularly. Please register by completing this form.
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