PFAP Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about PFAP? Start here with our most commonly asked questions.
Q: What is a Food Business Incubator?
A: A Food Business Incubator is a business, organization or group that assists (generally) small or startup businesses with a variety of services that can prohibit starting businesses from getting off the ground due to expenses, expertise or experience.
Q: What can a Food Business Incubator provide?
A: It can vary from incubator to incubator, but generally it will include a certifiable location (a kitchen), equipment and general food business resources.
Q: What can PFAP provide?
A: PFAP offers a wide variety of services and capabilities. Here are a few available now, with more to come in the future:
-
A certifiable facility
-
4 Kitchen / food workspaces
-
Advanced culinary, packaging & labeling equipment
-
Dry, refrigerated and frozen storage
-
Vendor truck and cart support
-
Baked goods, acidified foods, prepared foods, catering, farm packaging, value-added, juicing and retail packaging capabilities
-
Business office space
-
Training / classroom / meeting space
-
Professional services
Q: How do I get started?
A: What you'll need to get started will vary depending on the type of food-business you have or will have, but we recommend you start HERE.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Our Fee Structure lists all fees, credits & deposits HERE.
Q: Who will oversee my food business?
A: THIS handy diagram lists generally who will have oversight of your products.
Q: What types of food can I make?
A: You can make a large variety of foods at PFAP, more than can be listed here. Refrigerated, frozen or dry; acidified, acid, catered or dried; bagged, bottled, boxed or bundled. If you can meet oversight requirements and follow the rules of our facility, you can make it.
Q: What equipment do you have?
A: You can find a list of our equipment HERE. Be sure to check back. We will be adding to our equipment list whenever possible to expand our Client's capabilities.
Q: My food business is new, or growing. Where can I get help with questions & resources?
A: New business resources: Start HERE for a growing list of organizations that provide information, support and assistance for new businesses.
A: Food-business resources: Have a question about starting or growing a food-business in NC? Look HERE for food-business related resources.
Q: Can I visit the PFAP?
A: Visitation is by appointment only. We will be offering general-public tours, as well as private ones, in the future. Potential clients are given a tour during their initial consultation.
Q: When will you open?
A: Currently we're scheduled to begin testing & open in June. To stay connected, follow us on facebook or sign up for our ListServ for email updates.
Q: How can I contact you?
A: The best way to reach us is by email. Look HERE for our contact information.
