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OUR MISSION
The Wilmington Kitchen Collective is a community-based project dedicated to serving food industry entrepreneurs from marginalized local communities. Our mission is to empower holistic transformation by providing affordable, high-quality commercial kitchen facilities in an effort to usher in human flourishing.
OUR GOALS
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Provide low-cost shared kitchen facilities for growing food-based businesses
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Increase access to capital and start up grants for entrepreneurs
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Increase access to training and business development for entrepreneurs
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Build a community of culinary entrepreneurs to support and encourage one another in their journey.
OUR OFFERINGS
Access to Affordable Kitchen Space
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Up-to-date, commercial-grade kitchen and storage space to fulfill your customers orders and the Health Department requirements.
Collaboration with our Partners
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Food Bank of Delaware
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Delaware Small Business Development Center (DSBDC)
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True Access Capital
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Rise Collective
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Launcher DE
Exposure in Community
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Your events published on our social media.
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Promotion of your business as we have inquiries for catering orders.
Increased Access to Capital and Grants
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Gain access to available grants to help your business succeed.
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Receive feedback and coaching on grant applications.
Business Development
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We help you create and/or execute your own personalized Business Plan.
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Meet your business goals!
Training
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Get connected with a volunteer mentor who will be your go-to to process the celebration and the woes of building a business.
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Access to training modules such as Quickbooks & social media trainings.
OUR STAFF
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LISA BIXBY
Operations Manager
lisa@wilmingtoncollective.org
Lisa Bixby was born and raised in Wilmington, DE, and began her career in the Hospitality industry right out of college. She started her journey in hotels, and eventually opened Bixby's Caterers, which she owned and operated for twenty three years. Lisa is thrilled to be a part of the Wilmington Kitchen Collective, and is looking forward to helping the entrepreneurs and the community to thrive. Lisa is also a proud member of The Brandywine-Naamans Rotary Club, loves to travel, and works in her garden whenever she has the chance.
ERIC RAYFIELD
Facilities & Events Manager
eric@wilmingtoncollective.org
Eric Rayfield served his country as a United States Marine. Though he is a trained Marine, he has redefined, reimagined and re-trained himself as a chef. With over 20 years in the culinary and hospitality industry, his skill set includes supervisory roles, project management, kitchen maintenance, operations and safety management. Eric has brought to the Kitchen Collective the experience of operating 2 full service restaurants and a catering business, Holy Smokers Catering, and managing kitchens for the State of Delaware and the University of Delaware.
CHELSEA SPYRES
Executive Director & Pastor, Riverfront Ministries
chelsea@riverfrontministries.org
Pastor Chelsea is a Delaware native who moved back to the area in January 2020 to serve at Riverfront and Grace Church. Chelsea has a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological and is a United Methodist Pastor. She loves living in the city, going on long walks, listening to live music, and really getting to know folks through story sharing. Chelsea’s dream day is community gathering around food, service, and fellowship- which is why the Kitchen Collective makes so much sense to her!
OUR TEAM
Riverfront is a faith-based non-profit, and the operating partner of the Kitchen. While they do not have any physical property of their own, Riverfront transforms spaces in the community that already exist to create places of community and justice. Riverfront is passionate about economic and food justice, and have been a part of the Kitchen Collective from the beginning. Riverfront gathers for worship at 5:05 pm at the Riverfront Hare Pavilion. More information about them can be found HERE.
Wilmington Alliance brings people together to drive innovative solutions, leverage resources and promote opportunities to empower the city’s residents and businesses. Wilmington Alliance partners with community, civic, and business leaders to prioritize the City's highest needs to drive economic opportunity and social vitality. The Alliance works to make Wilmington a more beautiful, safer, and thriving city that provides opportunity for all through our programs in Workforce Development; Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support; and Creative Placemaking.
Grace serves as the first physical space partner of the first location of the Wilmington Kitchen Collective. Grace sees their space as an asset to be shared with the community. They are excited to partner with Riverfront and Wilmington Alliance to bring the Collective to life!
First and Central is another physical space partner, and is the second location of the WKC. Even before the first location opened, First and Central supported the WKC. Their location on Market Street makes them an ideal space for entrepreneurs to vend and grow their business.
Aldersgate UMC is the third physical space of the WKC! Aldersgate is a congregation of open hearts, open minds, and open doors. They are excited at the idea of how WKC's contribution gives back to the church, making the kitchen a hub for meaningful and impactful work.
OUR PARTNERS
The focus of the Delaware Small Business Development Center (DSBDC) is to develop and support entrepreneurship throughout the State of Delaware by working one on one without clients to understand their needs and assist them in a path forward.
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The Launcher Entrepreneurship Program at West End Neighborhood House provides the critical support entrepreneurs need to pursue their dreams of becoming small business owners. Launcher has partnered with WKC to offer a 12 week training course specialized for culinary entrepreneurs.
OUR FUNDERS
