Social enterprise, FoodLab will open a shiny new kitchen space to provide a safe and affordable environment for marginalised groups to grow their food businesses.

Initially launched in partnership with FoodLab Detroit in 2019, FoodLab Sydney has emerged on our shores as a philanthropic program between the University of Sydney and the City of Sydney. What began as a series of workshops and classes, quickly evolved into a thriving mentorship program, a supportive community, and now, a culinary business incubator. The commercial kitchen in Strathfield represents the next evolution of the not-for-profit.

Due to launch in mid-2023, the commercial kitchen will be a professional business space designed to support refugee, migrant, Aboriginal Australian, and low-income food entrepreneurs. New businesses in the program will undertake a series of practical workshops in finance, marketing, sales, menu and operations, specifically tailored to the Sydney food context. They will then access the kitchen to begin the fun part; recipe testing and concept development.

FoodLab’s entrepreneurs are provided with support from industry-leading mentors from over 40 thriving businesses, including Pierre Issa, co-owner of Pepe Saya, Mark Hanover, head chef of Canva, and Merna Taouk, chef and founder of Crumpets by Merna. This mentoring service provides entrepreneurs with invaluable coaching and advice from some of Australia’s most successful businesses, building confidence as they navigate through difficult decision-making. 

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The shared kitchen will provide more than just a place of vibrant and diverse food production; it will create opportunities for refugees and migrants to pursue their passion and build a future. As a self-funded, not-for-profit social enterprise, FoodLab Sydney relies on the continued generosity of donors to advance its mission of shifting the Australian hospitality industry into a more accessible and diverse landscape. 

Want to get involved? FoodLab is currently raising $60,000 to facilitate the completion of its new kitchen, which will contribute towards the fit-out, equipment and training facilities. For more details or to support, head to the crowd-funding page.

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