Serving the community

one plate at a time

The Downtown Market Education Foundation is non-profit organization committed to improving life through economic opportunities, healthier living, and dedication to the environment. We proudly serve by championing entrepreneurship and the local food community.

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Vision

To be the leading food Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) in the state, while creating connections and opportunities for all communities through premier programs and events.

Mission

To be a catalyst for food entrepreneurial growth.

Supporting Food Entrepreneurs

The owner of a start-up breakfast business cracking eggs into a bowl to prepare for a day of cooking in the Incubator Kitchen.

Our 5,000 square foot Incubator Kitchen provides accessible kitchen space and one-on-one support to hundreds of food entrepreneurs each year.

Entrepreneurs benefit from our on-site business guidance, as well as our community partnerships, and free Culinary Conversations events. The goal is to help businesses navigate through all phases of operation, network with similar start-ups, and learn valuable skills and strategies. 

Expanding Opportunities for the Underserved

Gloved hand adjusting rows of crumbled cake in small jars.

By offering free services and subsidized rental rates for the Incubator Kitchen, the Market has been able to increase the chances of success for low-income and minority-owned businesses.

by saving each an average of $35,000 in annual operating expenses, underserved members of the community can utilize assistance programs offered by the Incubator Kitchen. Now that’s a recipe for success.

Impacting the Local Food Economy

An employee of the indoor market butcher business stocking the meat case with prime cuts.

The work of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market reaches well outside its walls.

A recent economic impact study reported that our work has resulted in an overall annual local economic impact of $85M, supported almost 800 local jobs, and resulted in over $105,000,000 in food business retail sales since 2013. Being a contributing member of the Grand Rapids food community is our bread and butter.

Empowering the Workforce

A member of the Downtown Market facilities team using an industrial cleaning machine to polish the floor of the Banquet Room before a private event.

By connecting with local partners who focus on workplace development initiatives, the Market instills valuable training and skills to individuals of all ages and abilities

Empowering individuals in their transition into the workforce is an important value that we work to uphold every single day at the Market. Learn more about our employment opportunities.

Programs and Events

  • Culinary Conversations logo surrounded by vector graphics depicting cooking utensils.

    Culinary Conversations

    Culinary Conversations, a MeetUp group serving West Michigan’s food industry professionals, is designed to strengthen the dialogue between members of the region’s food creator system through regularly scheduled speaker, happy hour, and panel discussion events.

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  • The Small Plates Big Impact logo on top of an image of French tartes and a group of people, dressed up, at an event.

    Small Plates Big Impact

    We hope you're hungry, because Grand Rapids' most unique dining, shopping, and entertainment experience is back and better than ever! For one night only, we’re opening the Market Hall to guests, supporters, and sponsors of the Downtown Market Education Foundation.

    learn more
  • The Christkindl Markt logo surrounded by a whimsical holiday pattern.

    Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt

    A themed holiday event that is designed to create meaningful gathering spaces during the winter months. Additionally, this event will provide entrepreneurial opportunities for entrepreneurs, while having a significant local economic impact.

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