UJAMAA KITCHEN:
Food Business Accelerator
Ujamaa, the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, means "cooperative economics" in Swahili. Engaging in the Ujamaa Kitchen involves joining a community dedicated to collaborating for a cooperative economy, fostering mutual learning, growth, and success.
What is the Ujamaa Kitchen Program?
Cornerstone En2action program Ujamaa Kitchen offers vital support to Black food entrepreneurs in San Francisco. This support includes assistance with permitting, licensing, marketing, workshops, access to a commercial kitchen space, and vending opportunities at various venues, including the Ferry Building, community events, farmers' markets, and citywide public and private events.
We provide Black food entrepreneurs opportunities to network and sell their products within the community, fostering economic growth and resilience. Emerging chefs gain access to entrepreneurship guidance, marketing collateral, and access to a collaborative commercial kitchen space.
Our program strives to amplify growth opportunities by hosting business development workshops, providing technical assistance, fostering connections with successful Black-owned businesses, and facilitating affordable or no-cost access to commercial spaces. Ujamaa Kitchen is a journey of culinary innovation and business success!
Origins of Ujamaa Kitchen
In July 2019, an empty lot became a lively community spot, bursting with colorful murals, live music, and delicious dishes whipped up by the talented chefs of "Bayview Bistro." Initially serving as a launching pad for local entrepreneurs rooted in Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco, Bayview Bistro quickly became a hub of culinary creativity and community connection.
Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic In the spring of 2020, En2action, the driving force behind Bayview Bistro, quickly adjusted, turning the Bistro into a pillar of support by introducing the Ujamaa Kitchen Program, offering weekly food boxes to those in need, and advocating for the success of small BIPOC businesses in challenging times.
“The program has provided my business with a ton of opportunity. At the beginning of the Pandemic, I was laid off from my full-time job. When this shift in the program started, it gave my business an opportunity to have a safe place to cook, a professional commercial kitchen, all the essential tools to grow and launch a business. As it grows, [the Bayview Bistro program] continues to develop opportunities for micro-business owners, and men and women of color.”
-Dontaye Ball, Gumbo Social
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