CityView Magazine

26 | March/April • 2014 her support: "is is the most well thought-out project we've ever done," she said, explaining that the city is supportive of the project and has com- mitted to the construction that will extend Ray Avenue. "ere are oo- dles of culinary incubators across the state," Ray laughed. She is confident that like its predecessors, the upcom- ing facility will be self-supporting and self-sustaining. CEED is a nonprofit in its 25th year, centrally located on Hay Street, with a track record of success, creating 100 to 200 local jobs every year and working to grow small businesses and encour- age general economic growth. e kitchen incubator project is a part of the Women's Business Center, a sub- group of CEED that was formed 14 years ago with a grant from the Small Business Administration. e group is enthusiastic, said Hrabovsky, about heading an enterprise that plans to create and sustain jobs, give oppor- tunities for people to increase their incomes with additional work, po- tentially create new businesses and stimulate economic development in Cumberland County. "We hear from people every day who want to become entrepreneurs in the food industry — and this is a way for that to happen." Considering the majority of new food businesses fail because of lack of funding or business sense, the incubator kitchen will give hopeful chefs the opportunity to cook and sell their food with little expense, removing the upfront costs of starting a business, the long-term commitment and need for investors. Additionally, CEED plans on providing technical support, business assistance including service training and revenue work- force development training, market- ing resources and the capability for packaging and product line expansion outside of Fayetteville. Kitchens will also require the licenses and certifica- tions necessary to legally and safely produce and sell food products. "ere is a demand!" Ray exclaimed, pointing out that Cumberland County is home to over 100 home-based, li- censed food businesses. is venture 3010 traemoor village drive :: suite 160 :: fayetteville, nc 28306 Directly across from Jack Britt High School : 910-424-4045 t www.justalittlepanache.com t brighton vera bradley alex and ani 910.868.1366 | 4011 Sycamore Dairy Road, Ste 102 | www.sweettoothshop.net Cupcakes for parties or purchase in a wide variety of flavors! Delectable cakes by expert bakers and custom order cakes are our specialty. Perfect for weddings, birthdays and your special occasion. Sweet Tooth One-Of-a-kinD Cakes fOr any OCCasiOn

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