About

What is BKI?
The Bloomington Kitchen Incubator (BKI) is a new organization that has spun off the Local Growers Guild to support food entrepreneurs in the production of fresh and preserved foods with an emphasis on turning local abundance into higher value specialty foods. The kitchen incubator offers a variety of services that go well beyond providing access to a licensed commercial kitchen. Specialized business support includes finding seed capital, navigating complicated health code requirements, developing appropriate packaging, sourcing ingredients, and distributing the end products.

History of BKI
The Local Growers Guild has been working for many years to improve the local food economy. One of its biggest projects has been to work with Middle Way House to construct a large commercial kitchen in the old Coca-Cola Building on Washington Street in downtown Bloomington. This New Wings Kitchen houses Middle Way Food Works, a local catering business specializing in healthy meals for children and seniors, and also rents space out to small food businesses through the Bloomington Kitchen Incubator.

What sorts of businesses might develop within the BKI?
- Custom canning using favorite family recipes
- Artisan European breads and pastries
- Specialty soups featuring locally grown ingredients
- Frozen fruits and vegetables to enjoy the summer's abundance during the winter months
- Dried fruit snacks made from local organic fruit

Who can benefit from the BKI?
- Farmers can develop value-added products using ingredients from their farms (e.g. turn their excess basil into pesto).
- Chefs can preserve their best recipes in value-added products (e.g. specialty salad dressing).
- New food businesses will create new jobs and strengthen our local economy.
- New food businesses means more local food options for consumers and increased food security.

How can I get involved?
The BKI is currently recruiting members to participate in our support programs for business start-ups. Interested candidates should contact BKI Director Michelle Jacquard for additional information.

The BKI is also soliciting financial support from businesses and individuals passionate about supporting our local food economy. We will be holding a fundraising event in the fall and are always open to donations and sponsorship to help us pay our very reasonable operating expenses. Volunteers willing to serve on the board of directors or assist with fundraising events are welcome. For further information on becoming a supporter, please call 812-333-8287 or contact board president Bobbi Boos for more information.

Click here to see the BKI brochure.