Got a Food Business Idea? Get Cooking with Somerville’s Nibble Culinary Entrepreneurship Program

Have an idea for a restaurant but not sure how to get started? Love to cook, share stories, and build community? Applications are now open for the 2027 Nibble Culinary Entrepreneurship Program, a City of Somerville program that gives aspiring food business owners the training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to put their ideas to the test – all while providing opportunities for multicultural exchange and placemaking through food.

Now in its 15th year, the Nibble Program helps members of Somerville’s immigrant and historically underserved communities explore culinary careers, develop food business ideas, and share their cultures through food.

Participants receive business development training and mentoring from industry professionals, with opportunities to teach cooking classes, sell food at markets and festivals, and vend at Nibble Kitchen in Union Square. Bilingual workshops and translation for one-on-one mentoring help make the program accessible to participants from different language backgrounds.

The program begins with an eight-week workshop series expected to start in January 2027. The cost is $100, with financial assistance available to cover the full cost for qualified participants.

Applications are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Kreyol with additional languages available upon request. Applications are open now and are processed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should complete and return the form by December 15. Program staff will follow up to schedule interviews with qualified applicants.

For more information or assistance applying, visit nibblesomerville.com/culinary-entrepreneurship or contact Nibble Kitchen Manager, Anthony Baum, at abaum@somervillema.gov.

ADA Accommodations: Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.

Interpretation/Translation: If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.