FoodINC is an initiative led by Melbourne Innovation Centre in partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic and Melbourne’s North Food Group, with support from the City of Whittlesea and other government partners.

The establishment of the food and kitchen incubator has been generously seed funded by the Brunswick Business Incubator (MEDCL) and the Melbourne Innovation Centre.

Melbourne Innovation Centre acknowledges the significant contribution Brunswick Business Incubator has made within the Moreland region and Melbourne’s North, and is pleased that their legacy of supporting and nurturing new businesses in the region will continue through the food and kitchen incubator program.

Please note that EOIs for FoodINC are currently closed until further notice.
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Become a FoodINC Member

Membership Cost

An annual subscription cost of $350 includes:

Onboarding documents and welcome pack (e.g. apron)
Networking & Mentoring
Web-based Resources: access to FoodINC digital training channel and web-based resources
Professional Training: Compliance and expertise training from Melbourne Polytechnic and partners
Access cards, security and bookings application
Professional kitchen access starting at an hourly rate of $40- rates will differ for casual users
Commercial kitchen appliances access

Networking

As a registered FoodINC business, we will offer you industry collaboration and networking opportunities and connect you with operators and mentors based on your individual business idea and level of business experience.

Access to the monthly calendar of small business training and professional development hosted by Melbourne Innovation Centre and its partners
Opportunity to access industry association services from Melbourne’s North Food Group around advocacy, trade, and supply chain excellence
Dedicated advocacy and guidance by MIC incubator leaders and mentors across legal, export and trade, food safety, sales and marketing and government engagement
Networking, “meet the buyer” and “meet the expert” events hosted by MIC or its partners from across Melbourne’s North and beyond
Access to group buying savings on ingredients and services through Melbourne’s North Food Group

Mentoring

FoodINC will offer you a diverse mix of industry collaboration opportunities, and will connect you with industry operators and potential mentors.

Mentoring with leading businesses drawing on FoodINC partners such as the Melbourne’s North Food Group.

Members of FoodINC will have a direct connection to Melbourne’s North Food Group, a founding partner of the incubator and a peak industry group in Victoria for advocacy, trade, and supply chain excellence.

Web-Based Resources

The Food Incubator + Network Centre will offer members resources such as access to online compliance training delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic, networking and marketing support for your food business.

Dedicated social media and PR for members across leading online and trade publications.

Support with completing compliance to commence your food business.

Professional Training

Development and training at FoodINC will include learning opportunities such as:

Bakery and pastry, cookery and hospitality courses
Compliance and vocational commercial cookery/kitchen skills training through self-paced modules offered by Melbourne Polytechnic
Small business essentials training around digital marketing and, business strategy
Other foundation business programs
To find out more about relevant courses, visit Melbourne Polytechnic

Professional kitchen access

Development and training at FoodINC will include learning opportunities such as:

Access to best-practice processes to improve throughput.
Access to affordable kitchen spaces to create your product.
Access to specialized appliances for extra production.