La Cocina is a nonprofit working to solve problems of equity in business ownership for women, immigrants, and people of color.
When these populations have greater access to opportunities, our entire economy benefits. Despite owning a growing share of businesses, they still face barriers—earning 57-83 cents for every dollar their white, male counterparts make.
Closing these gaps could add a potential $4.4 trillion boost to the U.S. economy, creating more jobs and opportunities for everyone.
We provide affordable kitchen space to talented entrepreneurs.
The high cost of renting a commercial kitchen makes it difficult for many working-class food entrepreneurs to formalize their business. Our kitchen space lets people who were formerly shut out of the food industry find a way in.
We offer hands-on training, mentorship, and market opportunities.
New businesses undergo a series of classes in product, finance, marketing and operations. We provide 1:1 mentorship to guide businesses and connect them to a variety of sales opportunities, from catering opportunities to farmers' markets and brick and mortars, so they can grow their business.
From Kitchen to Community: Their Stories Matter
La Cocina is built on the voices, experiences, and leadership of the entrepreneurs we serve. Through media, digital storytelling, and community events, we highlight their work, celebrate their impact, and uplift the role of small food businesses in shaping our cities.
“You could easily make the argument that no local nonprofit has had a bigger hand in shaping the Bay Area food scene than La Cocina.”
When Small Businesses Thrive, Everyone Flourishes
Your donation fuels the next generation of culinary and community leaders. Invest in La Cocina’s 20th Anniversary Generations Fund to champion small food businesses led by working-class women, people of color, and immigrants. Your support fuels growth, creates pathways to success, and helps build a stronger, more vibrant economy—turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
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Powerful stories about food, people and place
GIVING VOICE TO WOMEN OF COLOR AND IMMIGRANTS WHO ARE SHAPING THE WAY WE EAT
This award-winning cookbook chronicles La Cocina's growth into the globally influential program it is today. Dive into delicious stories and recipes from the people who have used their talent and food to pursue economic freedom. All proceeds go back into La Cocina's incubator.