Where dreams
come true
come true
La Cocina is a nonprofit working to solve problems of equity in business ownership for women, immigrants and people of color.
Women account for only 33% of business owners nationwide and still make 46-75 cents for every dollar their white, male counterparts make.
We provide affordable commercial 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 formally shut out of the food industry find a way in.
Businesses receive mentorship and access to 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.
We amplify the voices that need to be heard.
We believe in the power of storytelling to shift perceptions and to inspire others to follow their dreams. We use media, PR, and our own storytelling platform, F&B: Voices from the Kitchen, to share the voices from the food industry that are less often heard.
“This book is important. These stories are joyous. These recipes work. We Are La Cocina celebrates our imperfect union and the many people who claim our nation. America needs the brilliance and biro of the women of La Cocina.”
— John T. Edge, Writer and Director of Southern Foodways Alliance
Evocative stories about food, people and place
GIVING VOICE TO ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN OF COLOR AND RECENT IMMIGRANTS TO THE U.S.
This highly anticipated cookbook chronicles La Cocina's growth into the organization it is today -- globally admired and profoundly influential -- through more than 40 stories and 120 recipes from the women who have used their talent and their food to pursue economic freedom. Award-winning photographer Eric Wolfinger captures the spirit of the people, the mouthwatering food, and the diverse experiences of La Cocina entrepreneurs. All proceeds from the book go back into La Cocina to support new and existing entrepreneurs.
