NSW Ports is supporting FoodLab Sydney in transforming the way aspiring food entrepreneurs break into the food industry.
FoodLab Sydney is a not-for-profit culinary business incubator that helps entrepreneurs with high barriers to entry formalise and grow food businesses.
From navigating complex regulations to finding affordable commercial cooking spaces, the road to starting a food business can be tricky.
This is where FoodLab steps in to offer practical training, tailored mentorship and access to professional facilities.
FoodLab successfully applied for a 2025 NSW Ports Community Grant, which CEO Jamie Loveday says was used to support 10 women to grow their skills and knowledge of the hospitality industry and its regulations.
“The grant has really been able to open doors, not just for us to grow in the way we translate some of our course material, but also to be able to welcome a whole new batch of entrepreneurs again,” he said.
“These participants will go on to employ many people from their own communities and that is a very beautiful and important thing that is very much at a crossroads right now.”
Carli Tahana has started her own business baking New Zealand pies, which unlike their Australian counterparts are larger, have different and more varied fillings and have a puff pastry.
She says the course has not only taught her to navigate tax law, food safety standards, and legal regulations, but has also given her the confidence to continue to pursue her passion.
“I’ve always worked hard, you know I am working two jobs at the moment…so to be able to shift from that into this role where FoodLab has given me this opportunity…you know it’s a lifelong dream; it’s a goal I’ve always wanted to do,” she said.
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas, who was joined by Member for Strathfield, The Hon. Jason Yat-Sen Li on a recent visit to FoodLab, said it was wonderful to see how the program is helping to create positive outcomes for individuals and the broader community.
“FoodLab was one of 17 grantees to benefit from our 2025 Community Grants Program, which supports local, grassroots organisations doing tremendous work in our communities,” she said.
“This is a great example of the diverse range of initiatives our Community Grants Program supports, and we hope to see these budding entrepreneurs succeeding as their journeys progress.”
