Press Release
U.S. Economic Development Administration Invests Nearly $900,000 to Pave the Way for New Advances in Food Entrepreneurship in St. Lucie, Florida
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced an $895,000 grant to the Treasure Coast Research, Education and Development Authority in St. Lucie, Florida to build the Center for AgriLife Research and Entrepreneurship (CARE) Incubator, also known as the Sunshine Kitchen Food Business Incubator. According to the grantee, this project will create 266 jobs and generate nearly $7 million in revenue over the next ten years.
“Providing environments where entrepreneurs from all industries and sectors can develop and shape new and innovative ideas is a priority for the Department of Commerce and EDA,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams. “The EDA grant announced today will help the next generation of food innovators create, test, and develop concepts into the products that may line our pantries tomorrow.”
EDA’s investment will help construct the 8,000 square-foot Sunshine Kitchen Food Business Incubator, a shared-use commercial kitchen that will serve as a working laboratory for food entrepreneurs in their development of products, processes, marketing, packaging, and promotion. The kitchen will contain both wet and dry areas for food preparation, a processing facility, training and office space, and a gallery and reception area for tasting and product showcases. According to the grantee, this project will help advance many agricultural businesses by providing research, education, and needed resources to start and grow new agribusinesses.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.