WHAT:
St. Patrick Center announces the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art Culinary Suite in the BEGIN New Venture Center (BNVC) small business incubator. Ten mission-sensitive culinary companies, dedicated to building permanent, positive change by employing or training the agency’s homeless clients, are utilizing the 2,200 square foot kitchen suite.

WHEN:
Wednesday, October 6, 2pm

WHERE:
The Partnership Center, 4th floor
800 N. Tucker Blvd., Downtown St. Louis (63101)

DETAILS:
About the Culinary Suite…
The Culinary Suite is an affordable, state-of-the-art environment for startup and early stage food service companies. The Culinary Suite is possible through a $250,000 Performance Award from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). St. Patrick Center received the award in November 2009 in recognition of outstanding project implementation and outcomes related to the EDA’s $3.5 million investment in 2006 in the BEGIN Center, consisting of the BEGIN New Venture Center and BEGIN Training & Education Center.

About the culinary companies…
Culinary companies utilizing the Culinary Suite include Adventures in Spice, Collective Catering, Cookie & Brownie, Craig & Toni Quality Products, Del Carmen, Grass Farms and Foods, Hollyberry Baking Company, Posh Pop Gourmet Popcorn, Queen’s Cuisine and Small Bites. As resident and affiliate companies of the BNVC, they receive daily business and marketing assistance, access to experienced service providers and investment capital, and more in a professional business location. In addition, these start-up and early-stage companies have access to the ready, willing and able workforce of St. Patrick Center clients.

About the BEGIN New Venture Center…
Celebrating its two-year anniversary this month, the BEGIN New Venture Center is the nation’s first incubator with a focus on the homeless population. All BNVC companies are dedicated to furthering St. Patrick Center’s mission by employing or training clients, or by providing services to the agency and its clients. Today, 22 resident and affiliate companies are incubating in the BNVC (including the culinary companies mentioned above). These companies have generated 35 full-time jobs and 75 job placements.

MISSION:
St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals achieve permanent, positive changes in their lives through affordable housing, sound mental health, employment and financial stability.

FOR MORE INFO:
Kelly Peach
Senior Director of Communications
St. Patrick Center
Direct Line 314.802.0687
Cell 314.581.7126
kpeach@stpatrickcenter.org

Stephanie Perry
Writer/Producer
Direct Line 314.802.1968
Cell 314.853.8886
sperry@stpatrickcenter.org

www.stpatrickcenter.org