Bill > S03561

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 for food preparation. The study aims to evaluate the potential economic impact of optimizing and expanding kitchen incubators, with a specific focus on supporting entrepreneurship among women, minority, and immigrant populations. The legislation recognizes the challenges faced by start-up food manufacturing businesses, particularly their difficulty accessing affordable commercial kitchen space. ESDC will convene stakeholders, assess the current landscape of kitchen incubators (noting that currently only a few exist in the state), and create a report with recommendations for creating, funding, and expanding these facilities. The report will also explore strategies for providing comprehensive business development services, 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 promoting new jobs, businesses, and increased tax revenues in New York State's food manufacturing sector.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3561