Taproot’s Value-Added Food Business Scholarship Program

Taproot Community Kitchen is excited to offer a Value-Added Food Business Scholarship to support emerging and existing food entrepreneurs on Lopez Island. This program, funded by a Lopez Thrift Shop grant, will provide Lopezians access to professional kitchen facilities, mentorship, and business development resources to help launch or expand value-added food businesses that contribute to the local economy and food culture.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:

Be residents of Lopez Island or demonstrate a clear commitment to operating their business locally.
Have a clear food business concept (new or existing) focused on value-added products.
Be committed to completing the program requirements within the calendar year.
Be willing to participate in mentorship and training opportunities.
Align with Taproot’s values of community, sustainability, and food safety.
Entrepreneurs wanting to use the Taproot Community Kitchen will be prioritized.

What the Scholarship Includes

Each recipient will receive a tailored support package, which may include:

Kitchen Access
- Scheduled use of Taproot’s commercial shared-use kitchen for recipe development, production, and packaging.
- Cold, frozen, and dry storage space as needed.
Mentorship & Training
- Guidance from Taproot staff and partners on:
  - Food safety and compliance
  - Labeling, packaging, and shelf-life considerations
  - Marketing and branding strategies
  - Distribution channels — farmer’s market, SJI Food Hub, grocery stores, coffee shops, online, and beyond.
- Access to specialized trainings and assistance with:
  - Certified Food Manager training
  - Better Process Control School (for shelf-stable products)
  - SJC or WSDA permitting processes
Business Development Support
- One-on-one support in:
  - Business planning and goal setting
  - Acquiring permits and licenses
  - Understanding financials and pricing
  - Connecting with markets such as farmer’s markets, retailers, or wholesale buyers

Recipient Expectations

All recipients are expected to:

Develop a clear project plan with Taproot staff.
Use awarded resources responsibly and within the agreed-upon timeframe.
Participate in mentorship sessions and required trainings to legally make and sell foods.
Maintain communication with Taproot staff about progress and needs.
Follow all food safety and facility guidelines while using the kitchen.
Complete a short final report or reflection at the end of the program, including how the scholarship helped advance their business.

Selection Process

Taproot’s scholarship selection will be based on:

Clarity and feasibility of the business idea
Potential for community impact or innovation
Readiness to start or grow a business
Commitment to food safety and quality

Application Timeline

Application Application Period: Now
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Program Runs: Now through December 2025
Interested? Please fill out the online Application

For more information contact Laurie Bullock, Taproot Operations Manager at taprootKitchenLaurie@gmail.com