Welcome

This year’s impact report isn’t just a reflection of what we’ve achieved—it’s a reminder of why your support matters more than ever. As we face a shifting political and economic landscape, the challenges ahead are real— for the small business owners we serve, and for us as an organization. At La Cocina, we’ve spent 20 years supporting small food entrepreneurs who create jobs, preserve culture, and strengthen the fabric of their communities. By standing with us, you’re supporting small business owners not only to survive but to thrive, building a food industry that’s more inclusive, vibrant, and just.

Thank you for standing with La Cocina this past year and believing in the power of small businesses to shape our communities. We’re thrilled to share the milestones that made 2024 unforgettable. This was a year of growth, transformation, and innovation. We opened La Cocina on Hyde—a vibrant hub with a commercial kitchen, office space, and event venue. We launched Back of the Napkin, a program designed to propel our graduates to new heights, and formally introduced La Cocina Consulting to share our model far and wide. Through it all, our core incubator program continues to nurture talented entrepreneurs who are not only pursuing their dreams but also redefining the food industry to make it more equitable and delicious.

Thank you for being part of this work and for standing with us as we navigate the challenges ahead. The story of resilience and progress isn’t finished, and with your help, we’ll continue to write it together.

With gratitude,