Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
The OH Taste Foundation is proud to share the latest develop- ments in its mission to support and grow the local economy in Dayton. The foundation's flagship project, the 6888 Kitchen Incubator, successfully completed its soft opening on February 29, 2024, and has since welcomed nine food entrepreneurs as members. The 6888 Kitchen Incubator, named after the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, is a tribute to the historic all-minority, all-female bat- talion that served during World War II. The 6888th Battalion, also known as the "Six Triple Eight," was responsible for clearing a massive backlog of mail for American soldiers, ensuring that they could stay connected with their loved ones back home. By naming the incuba- tor after this remarkable group of women, the OH Taste Foundation honors their legacy of service, perseverance, and excellence. Located in the historic Dayton Arcade, the 6888 Kitchen Incubator is the first of its kind in the Dayton region. The 13,000- square-foot space provides shared kitchen facilities, storage, and essential resources to help food and beverage entrepreneurs enhance their businesses and deliver top-quality services to their clients. In addition to the 6888 Kitchen Incubator, the OH Taste Foundation has developed the Sharpen the Axe financial literacy pro- gram. This program equips food entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge and skills they need to successfully manage and grow their businesses. The foundation has also formed a partnership with DCE Management, which provides food programming and catering servic- es, further expanding the resources available to the community at large. Founded in 2020 by Charlynda Scales, Dabriah Rice, and Jamaica White, the OH Taste Foundation is dedicated to scaling successful food and beverage companies into new restaurants and consumer goods that will strengthen the local economy and draw more people to the city of Dayton. The 6888 Kitchen Incubator has raised $4.3M of its overall $6M goal, thanks to the generous support of sponsors such as Fifth Third Foundation, The City of Dayton, Montgomery County, Wright Patt Credit Union, Hobart, and Henny Penny to name a few. This fund- ing has been crucial in bringing the project to life and providing vital resources to the incubator's members. As the OH Taste Foundation continues to grow and support local food entrepreneurs through the 6888 Kitchen Incubator, Sharpen the Axe financial literacy program, and partnership with DCE Management, it remains committed to its mission of promot- ing economic growth and development in the Dayton area. Naming opportunities and program sponsorships are still available for those interested in supporting these groundbreaking initiatives. For more information about the OH Taste Foundation, the 6888 Kitchen Incubator, and other programs, please visit www.oh- taste.org. 12 B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com OH TASTE FOUNDATION AND 6888 KITCHEN INCUBATOR UPDATE