ArtHouse to Kick Off Second Incubator

The first Culinary Business Incubator was completed by 24 culinary entrepreneurs. (photo courtesy ArtHouse)

An arts and food hub in Gary has announced plans for its second culinary incubator program. ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen launched in November with a six-week incubator program featuring culinary workshops and training, mentorship opportunities and wrap-around business growth services. 

The first program included residents from Gary, Valparaiso and Hammond working with food business experts to further their culinary businesses or launch new ones. Ultimately, 24 early-stage and mid-stage entrepreneurs completed the program.

ArtHouse says it has seen hundreds of visitors since it opened last year.

"The response to ArtHouse has been palpable," said Arleen Peterson, a consultant overseeing programming at ArtHouse. "When we first launched, we had 700 individuals express interest in getting involved at ArtHouse, and then 400 actually showed up to various events, including a woman who drove 200 miles from Indianapolis to be part of what we’ve created."

The next culinary incubator begins August 12 and ArtHouse is currently accepting applications.