Anniversaries come and go, but this month there is one that should be noted with some Rhody pride.
Hope & Main is the Warren nonprofit, food-business incubator that opened last October, and it has been busy. In the last 12 months, more than 50 food-based businesses have been launched there, according to Hope & Main, creating 75 jobs and adding $1.1 million to the local economy.
Rhode Island is not alone in promoting its local food talent. It is a national trend. So to keep from falling behind in a competitive market, it is important to identify, encourage and eventually invest in these food businesses.
In fact, access to capital seems to be a significant issue as products are perfected and the food entrepreneurs look to grow their business and move out, and it won't be an easy challenge to surmount.
High-tech and life sciences startups are darlings of the investment community these days, and with good reason. But innovation comes in many forms, and for the good of our economy, as well as our collective taste buds, Hope & Main deserves support. •