Food Business Pathways for NYCHA Residents

Food Business Pathways provides NYCHA residents with a 14-session business course and one-on-one coaching on how to build a successful food enterprise.

After the course ends, participants receive funding to cover the cost of required licenses and permits. In addition, select graduates are awarded free kitchen incubator space so they may gain access to top-of-the-line culinary equipment and the chance to scale their production using commercial kitchen space at no cost.

Get information about the NYCHA Food Business Pathways Program.

In order to be eligible, you must:

Be a NYCHA or NYCHA Section 8 resident 18 years of age or older
Be able to attend all program sessions from 6 PM to 8 PM for 14 sessions over a 10 week period
Have a passion for the food business

Participants are selected through a competitive application and interview process based on business history, business plans and references, and applicants who demonstrate “entrepreneurial spirit” during in-person interviews.

If selected, you must bring the following supportive documents to the interview:

Two professional references (required; not from family members or close friends)
Business or marketing plan (optional – bring if you have it)

Selected applicants will be notified and must confirm their acceptance into the program.

Food Business Pathways for NYCHA Residents

Eligibility, Selection, and Participation