top of page
Find the support, facilities, and funding you need to make your business dreams a reality – from a nonprofit with a proven record of helping small businesses succeed.
Benefits
Kitchen space without the Commitment
Kitchen space is too expensive and the contracts are too long. We offer affordable kitchen space, by the hour, that allows you to grow in a low-risk atmosphere.
Grow your business with a nonprofit
As a nonprofit, we're not here to make a buck. Our mission is to help food businesses thrive by eliminating the barriers in accessing funding, facilities, and support.
Support for food-
and-drink
businesses at any stage
Pre-opening, two years in, or beyond, we’ve got you with the guidance you need to minimize growing pains.
One-stop business resource
You get lending, advice, connections, and access to affordable kitchen space, all in one go.
Community of like-minded entrepreneurs
Learn from your industry peers, make connections, and enjoy being part of a community of passionate food and beverage makers.
Daniel & Jack
Doctor Coffee
“We found the Food Fort and with the resources they offered, we were able to launch our business.”
David Brooks
Dave's Artisanal Cheesecakes
“The great thing about the Food Fort, is there are plenty knowledgeable people to draw from to learn about running a food business.”
John Lynch
Rambling House Soda
“Thanks to the Food Fort’s production facility, we were able to expand instead of scale back during the pandemic.”
ECDI Food Fort Facilities
Food Fort is a program of the Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)
ECDI is the #1 U.S. Small Business Administration microlender in the country with a mission to invest in people to create measurable and enduring social and economic change by providing responsible, affordable lending and comprehensive small business development services to help underbanked people and communities join the economic mainstream.
bottom of page