WMED Unveils Feasibility Study for Winslow Business Incubator, Receives Strong Support

White Mountain Economic Development (WMED) has recently completed a feasibility study for a proposed business incubator in Winslow, Arizona. The proposed incubator will feature a retail cooperative for artists and a commissary kitchen, providing vital resources for local creatives. The findings were presented to the Winslow City Council in late February, marking a significant step toward bolstering the city's economic landscape.

The study was commissioned by the City of Winslow as part of the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Development Grant program. In August 2024, the City of Winslow received a $40,000 grant to assess its small business needs related to a rural business incubator. With this funding, the city contracted with WMED to determine the best location for the incubator and integrate regional and local economic development plans.

This initiative seeks to build upon the remarkable success of the Winslow "Mother Road Farmers Market," which began two years ago, also supported with USDA funding. According to the Painted Desert Tribune, the market has already attracted over 200 vendors and experienced a 60% increase in attendance, reflecting the community's growing interest in local produce, arts, and crafts.

White Mountain Economic Development Executive Director, Russ Yelton, emphasized the importance of this project. "By leveraging the success of the Mother Road Farmers Market and the continued enthusiasm for the regional food and art culture, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem for local entrepreneurs. This incubator will provide the necessary infrastructure and support to help these businesses thrive, and we're excited to work with the City of Winslow to make it happen."

An initial shared commissary kitchen is slated to be housed at the Winslow Council on Aging Active Adult Community Center, which already possesses a commercial-grade kitchen. This arrangement will allow food entrepreneurs to utilize the space as part of the incubator program, while also generating funding for the community center.

The feasibility study is also the result of extensive collaboration with native tribes, elected officials, and community stakeholders. WMED has held roundtables to discuss the business incubator, interviewed key stakeholders, and engaged with local residents to ensure broad community input in the planning process.

A notable event in January of this year has helped raise awareness about the need for commercial kitchen space. It featured Kimber Lanning from Local First Arizona, who toured the proposed kitchen space, while also celebrating the local food culture alongside vendors from the farmers market.

Kimber Lanning of Local First Arizona

The completion and presentation of the feasibility study was received with great enthusiasm by the Winslow City Council, thus signifying a pivotal moment for the city's economic development and further collaboration with White Mountain Economic Development. WMED now focuses its efforts on seeking out and securing additional funding for the next phase of planning, bringing the vision of a thriving business incubator one step closer to reality.

Stay tuned to WMED (https://www.wmedev.org/) for more exciting updates on their progress in strengthening Northern Arizona’s entrepreneurial communities.