Food business program
referral enquiries

Who the proposed program is for

The intended pathway is for people interested in exploring a small food enterprise, including experienced home cooks, former chefs and people facing barriers to employment. An interest in cooking is a starting point; the person’s goals, circumstances and support needs should guide the conversation.

We have not set final eligibility criteria. We would discuss suitability and available support before confirming participation.

What a participant could receive

The proposed program combines guidance with participant-led action:

• Developing a business idea, business plan and financial forecasts.
• Understanding council applications and identifying suitable food-safety training.
• Preparing pricing, cash flow, records and day-to-day operations.
• Ongoing business mentoring to review progress and work through decisions.

Participants remain responsible for their applications and business decisions. We do not issue council approvals or guarantee business income or employment.

How to start a referral conversation

1. Discuss the idea with the person. Share the program page and establish whether they want to explore it.
2. Make an initial enquiry. Tell us your organisation, service area and the kind of support you are looking for. Start without identifiable participant details.
3. Confirm arrangements together. Before a formal referral, we would clarify availability, suitability, costs, access needs, consent and any information-sharing arrangements.

People can also express their own interest. Please do not email health information, Centrelink identifiers, identity documents or case notes through a general enquiry.

For employment services providers

Building practical skills for work and small business

Micro Kitchen’s proposed program is designed to help participants turn their cooking experience into practical business skills. Through guided planning and ongoing mentoring, participants would work on budgeting, pricing, recordkeeping, communicating with customers and planning their next steps.

These skills can support a person exploring self-employment and can also be useful in paid work. The aim is to build confidence, strengthen decision-making and help participants make an informed choice about whether a food business is right for them.

Exploring a fit with the participant’s Job Plan

We welcome discussions with employment services providers about whether suitable parts of the program could support an individual participant’s employment goals and be recognised within their Job Plan, where the relevant rules allow.

As the program develops, we would work with interested providers to clarify learning outcomes, session hours, participant activities and attendance evidence. Reporting arrangements would be agreed with appropriate participant consent.

The provider, or relevant authority where required, would need to confirm any recognised activity category, PBAS treatment, funding and effect on mutual obligations before participation is relied on for these purposes. Recognition is not automatic, and Micro Kitchen is not a contracted Self-Employment Assistance provider.

For councils and community organisations

You may know people with cooking skills who need help understanding the steps towards enterprise. We welcome your input on local needs, access barriers and how a future referral process could work for the people you support.

Contact us about referrals

Use your organisation’s contact details and describe your enquiry in general terms. We can then discuss what is possible as the pilot develops.

Looking to provide financial support? Visit Fund our program. For other collaboration, visit Partners.