resources

Explore our hub of resources tailored for aspiring food entrepreneurs, offering valuable insights on funding opportunities, commercial kitchens, local Auckland markets, food trucks and our network of experienced experts and mentors to help guide you on your culinary journey.

COMMERCIAL KITCHENS

The Kitchen Project - Commercial Kitchens

Our commercial kitchens are available during the programme and are charged hourly, at half the cost of a commercial kitchen. Graduates who are paid members can hire our kitchens by the hour. The membership fee is $50 a month. You will be responsible for all the costs your business occurs over and above this.

FUNDING

Food entrepreneurs who would like to secure funding to support their business may want to consider these grants and funding opportunities available:

Work and Income - Business Training and Advice Grant

If you're a new business owner or out of work due to the local labour market, Work and Income may be able to help you. The Business Training and Advice Grant provides funding schemes to assist with business skills training, planning, advice, reporting and more. 

Work and Income - Self-employment Start-up Payment

New businesses that need help to be self-sufficient may also be eligible for start-up business grants to provide financial support for new equipment, legal costs, start-up stock, materials, renovations or one-off payment start-up costs.

Auckland Council - Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund

The purpose of the fund is to promote or achieve waste management and minimisation, reduce waste to landfill following the objectives of the WMMP, foster new ideas and encourage community participation in reducing waste to landfill. The WMIF primarily intends to provide seed funding to encourage and enable creative reuse and recovery and generate economic opportunities.

Regional Business Partner Network

Funding by the NZ government and available to small-to-medium business owners, the RBP Network assists with helping your business grow to the next level. They connect you to advice, people and resources. The Management Capability Fund subsidises up to 50% of the cost of management training, capped at up to $5,000. Note: your business must be established, trading for at least 12 months.

Ministry for Primary Industries - Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures 

Do you have an initiative that could make a difference to New Zealand’s food and fibre sector? It could be eligible for funding through Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures). SFF (Sustainable Food and Fibre) Futures funding supports problem-solving and innovation in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector by co-investing in initiatives that make a positive and lasting difference. 

Ministry for Pacific Peoples – Pacific Business Village

Direct investment will go to Pacific Businesses to develop practical business nous and be supported to accelerate their growth, capability, and capacity. Ease of access to culturally appropriate support services will enable Pacific businesses to develop their resilience and operate sustainably in the long-term.

Poutama Trust

Poutama TrustPoutama is an independent charitable trust established in 1988 to provide business development services to Māori. Poutama strives to create an environment for successful business ventures and economic growth for Māori. Note: business must be established, trading for at least 12 months.

Tupu.nz Māori Business Growth Fund

This initiative helps Māori establish and grow their business. They do this by providing information and advice and brokering relationships. They'll connect you with other agencies who will help you establish and grow your business. This initiative focuses on Māori small to medium sized enterprises.

Funding Explorer

Your business might have more funding options available than you realise. Use the Business.govt.nz’s online Funding Explorer Q&A to describe your situation and help you explore the best options.

Auckland Council - Library and Community Centre Kitchens

Auckland Council offers a range of affordable venue options with kitchens for hire.

Find and book a venue local to you using this handy A-Z directory of venues.

LOCAL MARKETS

Explore the many vibrant farmers markets that operate across Tāmaki Makarau Auckland, offering a diverse platform for stallholders to showcase their delectable and locally-sourced culinary creations:

Avondale Sunday Markets

Sunday from 5am to 12.00pm
23 Elm Street, Avondale

Britomart Saturday Market

Saturday 8am to approximately 2pm
Te Ara Tahuhu Walking Street, Britomart Place, Auckland CBD

Catalina Bay Farmers Market (Hobsonville Point)

Saturday and Sunday 8:30am to 2:00pm
1/3 Boundary Road, Hobsonville

Coatesville Markets

Sunday from 10am to 2pm (during summer)

Coatesville Settlers Hall and Reserve
Corner of Coatesville Riverhead Hwy & Mahoenui Valley Rd

Clevedon Farmers Market

Sundays 8am to 1pm
Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Road

Grey Lynn Farmers Market

Every Sunday morning 8:30am to 12:00pm
510 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn

Good Vibes Farmers Market (Victoria Park Market)

Saturday every fortnight, 10am to 12.00pm
210 Victoria Street West, Freeman’s Bay, Auckland CBD

Howick Village Market

Every Saturday 8.00am to 12.30pm
91 Picton Street, Howick Village

Mangere Bridge Village Boutique Markets

Sundays 9am to 1pm
41 Coronation Road, Mangere

Matakana Village Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday between 8am to 1pm
2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana

Mt Albert Farmers Market

Saturday from 8.30am to 12.00pm
847 New North Road, Mt Albert

Otara Market

Every Saturday from 6am to 12pm (except public holidays)
Behind the Otara Town Centre in the carpark on Watford and Newbury Streets

Parnell Farmers Market

Saturday from 8am to 12pm
Jubilee Building Carpark, 545 Parnell Road, Parnell

Pukekohe Market

Saturday 8am to 12pm
Massey Avenue public carpark, Pukekohe

Smales Farm Sunday Market

Second Sunday of every month, 9am - 2pm
72 Taharoto Rd, Smales Farm, Takapuna

The Shed Collective Henderson

Every Saturday, from 8:30am until 12pm
99 Parrs Cross Road, Henderson

Titirangi Village Market

Last Sunday of every month 10:00am – 2:00pm
500 South Titirangi Rd, Titirangi 

Food Trucks

Learn how to start and run your food truck with the Food Truck Collective. Regardless of what stage of your food business journey you are on, get help, from brainstorming to coaching and courses.

OUR EXPERTS AND MENTORS

Business owners, industry leaders, and advisors kindly provide their time and expertise to support the delivery of The Kitchen Project programme and are a vital part of our success. Their guidance and knowledge are invaluable in providing a solid foundation for food businesses.