FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2022
Indy Black Chamber Opens S.O.U.L. of the City Kitchen Incubator inside City Market
Funded by a $150,000 Bank of America grant, the Kitchen Incubator will provide space and support for local Black chefs, while bringing more customers to the City Market
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indy Black Chamber of Commerce joined with community members and local entrepreneurs to open a new space at the Indianapolis City Market. The S.O.U.L. (Supporting Our Unique Locals) of the City Kitchen Incubator will support Black restaurant start-up owners by providing state-of-the-art food prep and retail space and by offering guidance on growing their small business.
The program was made possible through a $150,000 grant awarded by Bank of America to build and equip a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and four retail stations within the City Market. The commercial kitchen will be available to Black caterers and food truck owners who need more space to prepare food.
Five chefs will participate in the initial launch, including:
- David Brown from Naptown Hot Chicken,
- DaWuan Finley from Chef Wuan’s Kitchen,
- Spring Santos from Two Crazy Ladies, and
- Tasha Claytor from T Streets Eatz.
“Our vision and purpose at the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce are to advocate for and to produce Black entrepreneurs for economic empowerment and to assist those willing to embrace a concept of lifelong learning,” said Greg Hicks, Chief Financial Officer of the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce. “Through this kitchen incubator project, we are able to do just that! Projects like this adhere to the fulfillment of our mission and building a better tomorrow for Black- and Minority-owned businesses in Central Indiana.”
Entrepreneurs who participate in the program will attend classes focused on food safety and menu creation, branding, marketing and trademarking, proper bookkeeping, insurance, and administrative practices. The Kitchen Incubator food stations will be open Monday through Saturday during the Indianapolis City Market’s regular hours.
“We are excited to host the S.O.U.L. of the City Kitchen Incubator,” says Keisha Harrison, Executive Director of the Indianapolis City Market. “As the City of Indianapolis shines a light on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, the Indianapolis City Market is pleased to be part of this vision by working with the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce to guide up-and-coming Black chefs with space to prove their concepts.”
The grant was awarded as part of Bank of America’s $1.25 billion, five-year global commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity for historically marginalized communities. This includes initiatives focused on health, jobs and reskilling, affordable housing, small business, and investments to address racial justice, advocacy, and equality.
“Furthering our partnership with the Indy Black Chamber and the Indianapolis City Market will not only bring new guests into the market, but also continue to drive progress and create more business and workforce opportunities in Indianapolis,” said Andy Crask, president, Bank of America Indianapolis. “Bank of America recognizes the private sector can play a pivotal role and sees this program as a step forward toward creating lasting change.”
Chefs wishing to participate in the S.O.U.L. of the City Kitchen Incubator program should visit the Indy Black Chamber’s website.
About Indy Black Chamber of Commerce
Founded in January 2015, the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce aims to serve as an information resource for developing Black-owned businesses and to educate and enhance the economic status of the Black community while creating a positive community climate of intellectual exchange of foods and services with all businesses. To connect with the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce, follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Indianapolis City Market
The Indianapolis City Market’s history is as rich as the promise of its future. When opened in 1886, the market ushered in a new tradition: an open space for the sale of meats and produce, The Original Gathering Place, if you will. Indianapolis City Market is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a vibrant downtown event destination. Today, the City Market offers patrons an experience that combines the best of both yesterday and today with a wide variety of eateries, retailers, coffee, barber shop, and an all-Indiana craft beer bar with many merchants offering delivery services. In 2021, the Indianapolis City Market hosted its 25th Season of the Original Farmers’ Market, which runs annually from May through October. The Indianapolis City Market Catacombs tours, in partnership with Indiana Landmarks, runs May through October. The Market features bocce ball courts, corn hole, and ample outdoor seating to play and enjoy live music on occasion. www.indycm.com
About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make
around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter. For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom. Click here to register for news email alerts. www.bankofamerica.com
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Reporters May Contact:
Diane Wagner, Bank of America
312-992-2370 | Diane.Wagner@bofa.com
Myranda Annakin for Bank of America
317-771-2217 | myranda@porchlightpr.com
