Bill > A01330

This bill requires the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Office of New Americans, to conduct a comprehensive study on kitchen incubators in New York state. A kitchen incubator is defined as a shared food preparation facility that provides commercial-grade equipment and kitchen space for food businesses. The study aims to evaluate the economic potential of optimizing and expanding these facilities, with a specific focus on supporting entrepreneurship among women, minority, and immigrant populations. The legislation recognizes the significant challenges faced by food manufacturing start-ups, particularly their difficulty in accessing affordable commercial kitchen space, and notes that New York has over 900 food firms in New York City alone, with substantial potential for growth. The ESDC will convene stakeholders, assess the impact of kitchen incubators on entrepreneurship, and create a report with recommendations for creating, funding, and expanding these facilities. The report will include strategies for providing business development services, collaborative environments, networking opportunities, mentorship, and food safety education. The final report must be submitted to the governor and legislature within one year of the act's effective date, with the ultimate goal of supporting new food entrepreneurs and contributing to the state's economic development.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1330