Join Women Who Really Cook for our March meeting highlighting longtime WWRC member Ann Fix, Executive Director of 4 Access Partners, along with an exclusive sneak peek tour of the new NEON Collective Kitchens facility in North Minneapolis ahead of its official grand opening this May.
Gain insight into the resources available to food entrepreneurs in our community, and network with fellow WWRC members across the food, beverage, and agriculture industries!
About Our Host:
Ann Fix
Executive Director, 4 Access Partners
Ann Fix is the Founding Executive Director of 4 Access Partners and is a seasoned entrepreneur herself and a community leader with over 15 years of experience in advising and coaching small food entrepreneurs.
In 2008, she founded Local D’Lish, an award-winning specialty grocery store that served as a launching pad for countless local farmers and food artisans and played a pivotal role in accelerating the local food movement in Minnesota.
In 2016, Ann transitioned to lead Minnesota’s first Food Business Incubator and Business Development programming for the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of North Minneapolis’ entrepreneurial community. Ann was a critical driving force behind the development of a 25,000 square foot flexible commercial kitchen space/food business incubator for NEON that will house hundreds of food businesses as well as provide wrap-around business advising on site.
Ann’s dedication to fostering economic vitality and building wealth in underserved communities has earned her recognition locally and nationally. She is a sought-after partner and thought leader in the field of entrepreneurship and community development.
About NEON Collective Kitchens
NEON Collective Kitchens is a new 25,000-square-foot commercial kitchen and food business incubator in North Minneapolis designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale food businesses.
The facility provides:
• Commercial kitchen rental available 24/7
• Production space for CPG brands, caterers, and restaurants
• Dedicated resources for food trucks and mobile food businesses
• Cold, frozen, and dry ingredient storage
• Business advising, training, and financing support
More than just a production space, Collective Kitchens is a hub for collaboration - bringing together entrepreneurs, advisors, and community partners to help food businesses thrive.
What to Expect at This Month’s Meeting:
✨ An inspiring conversation with Ann Fix about building and supporting food businesses
✨ A behind-the-scenes tour of the brand-new NEON Collective Kitchens facility
✨ Connect with women business owners, Lutunji Abram (Lutunji’s Palate) and Florence Karp (Chef FLO-K Foods/Afric Sauce), as they showcase their products and share their experience working with NEON and 4 Access Partners
✨ Networking with fellow WWRC members across the food industry
Location: NEON Collective Kitchens - 2103 West Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Parking: Parking available in the lot behind the building, and in the city lot nextdoor.
RSVP today to learn how these organizations are helping food businesses succeed, and help us spread the word! That is the power of Women Who Really Cook 💪
