Who We Are & What We Do

The Vermont Food Venture Center  (VFVC) is a shared-use kitchen incubator for value-added and specialty food producers. We are operated by the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), a non-profit organization located in Hardwick, Vermont whose mission is to bring together resources in order to support, facilitate and advance a sustainable, agricultural economy in a rural community. The VFVC, as a program of the CAE, supports this mission by providing infrastructure and support for value-added production, minimal processing and business services to emerging and existing food businesses, organizations and the community.

“Business incubation creates more jobs for less money than any other economic development initiative.” 

-US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, “Construction Grants Program Impact Assessment Report,” October 2008.

We are here to help you

We provide fully equipped and licensed commercial kitchens for rent, including facilities for dry and cold storage. We offer 3 certified kitchens – hot process, cold pack, bakery – for hourly or contract rent. We also offer co-packing opportunities in a state of the art facility in Hardwick, Vermont.

We will advise or direct you to the right information source for start-up business practices, food science, distribution and kitchen health and safety. We understand that the enormous costs of setting up a commercial kitchen and the intensive certification processes are intimidating obstacles. We help local businesses launch and grow without the overwhelming initial investments. Our fully equipped kitchens will be available for hourly or contract rent and can be tailored to meet your specific needs whether you are renting for prep, catering, baking or teaching.

Available for Hourly Rent 24/7 

The VFVC can be used 24/7, as necessitated by demand.

Your Vision Can be a Reality

We are a modern 15,000 square foot food processing facility and kitchen incubator is a one-of-a-kind facility located in a thriving region that celebrates food, farm and local economy.

Once signed on as a client, we walk you through all the necessary certification processes, providing all the forms and contacts. If your business is in need of specific business services, such as a business plan, financing or website, we can help! We have a business advisers and specialized consultants to  meet your business needs.

More information available on our website soon.  Please inquire with additional questions.