Real Good Kitchen Foundation is accepting applications for its third food business incubator
To date, nine founders have completed the program across the first two cohorts, with an additional 40 people participating in single-day workshops.
If you have a food business idea that’s past the napkin stage, Real Good Kitchen Foundation wants to hear from you. Applications for the organization’s Food Business Incubator Program are open through May 3.
The program is designed for founders who are ready to take their food business from informal operation to full marketplace launch. Graduates have seen an average sales increase of 43%, and at least one alumna credits it with changing the trajectory of her business entirely.
“Being part of RGKF’s Food Business Incubator program opened my eyes to the technical side of owning and operating a food business, and helped me bridge the gap between cooking for fun and cooking for profit,” said Bre Best, founder of Breezy’s Plant Powered and winner of the 2025 Crown Pitch competition.
A more rigorous program this year
RGKF has raised the bar for its third cohort. The foundation worked with La Cocina, a San Francisco-based food business incubator, to develop a more detailed curriculum with wraparound support.
“We have developed a much more intentional and detailed pipeline into the program. We’re not looking for someone who has an idea that they’ve never road-tested. We want somebody to be a little bit farther along and want them to know the roadmap for the program, hence the info-session requirement,” said Bailey Foster, founder of Real Good Kitchen. “It’s a big commitment — but one that will hopefully really propel their business forward.”
To date, nine founders have completed the program across the first two cohorts, with an additional 40 people participating in single-day workshops.
Qualifications for the 2026 cohort include:
- Businesses must be owned by those from an underserved or marginalized group, including those living or doing business in high-poverty zip codes, BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, immigrants, and veterans. Priority consideration will be given to businesses based in East Knoxville.
- A desire to formalize and expand their food business and a plan for how to achieve that growth.
- Experience operating a food business, formally or informally, for at least 6 months and/or relevant work experience.
- A personal support network.
- An entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm, and persistence.
- A vision for their business.
How to apply
Attendance at the April 20 information session is required before applying. RGKF will walk prospective applicants through the requirements, including the feasibility study. The application deadline is May 3.
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