As I reflect back on our 20th anniversary year, and the political and economic moment we are in, I am deeply grateful for the La Cocina community. From the businesses we have supported, to the donors who have given so generously, to the staff who have poured their hearts into this work: together we have built something uniquely impactful, something lasting. At a moment when our identities are being both vilified and underestimated, La Cocina proves what is possible when opportunity for small business ownership in the food industry is available to all. 

La Cocina’s mission is to solve problems of equity in food business ownership for women, immigrants, and people of color by providing affordable kitchen spaces, training, resources, and community to talented entrepreneurs so they can cultivate thriving businesses.

With an updated strategy and mission as our North Star, we spent 2025 continuing to support the launch and growth of food businesses in the Bay Area, and consulting with cities and organizations near and far so that they can adopt our incubator program’s best practices in their own communities. In these pages, you will see our entrepreneurs’ stories and learn about our 20-year history.

With gratitude,