Chef Space, a West Louisville incubator for food businesses, is getting $330,000 in federal funding.
The funding, announced by U.S. Rep John Yarmuth on Tuesday, was secured through the House Appropriations Committee’s Community Project Funding program. It was one of 10 local projects the Congressman sought and secured funding for in the fiscal year 2022 omnibus bill.
The funding will allow Chef Space, operated by Lexington-based Community Ventures, to expand its footprint and provide additional space and equipment to its food entrepreneur members, according to a news release.
First opened in 2015, Chef Space is currently home to more than 30 members and has successfully graduated 21 businesses to their own brick-and-mortar facilities. Their members include catering, retail, food truck and wholesale food businesses.
“Chef Space gives local entrepreneurs the tools they need to build their businesses and be successful, and I’m so thrilled this funding will help grow their operation to assist more people,” Yarmuth said in the release. “I fought hard to secure this funding because every dollar invested in the Russell neighborhood and in West Louisville businesses helps continue the transformation of this vital part of our city. I want to thank Chef Space and its member businesses for their work to make sure that even more homegrown Louisville products are sold locally, nationally, and even around the world.”
Yarmuth was joined at the event by Kevin Smith, president and CEO of Community Ventures; Tom Murro, president of Chef Space; and current Chef Space members.
“This investment will allow Chef Space to continue to expand its reach, to open its doors to more food entrepreneurs who will continue to create new jobs in West Louisville,” said Smith. “Chef Space and Community Ventures appreciate Congressman Yarmuth’s advocacy for the people of Kentucky’s 3rd congressional district, for his commitment to the work Chef Space is doing, and for his longstanding support and friendship over the years.
