We're thrilled to announce the launch of COOK Academy, our new education program offering each graduate $3,000 grant designed to empower home cooks to thrive in the culinary industry! This eight-week online curriculum will equip participants with essential skills to successfully operate their own MEHKO businesses, covering topics such as:

• MEHKO regulations

• Standard operating procedures

• Personal vs. business finances

• Menu pricing

• Brand management

• Social media and marketing

• Food photography

• And more!

Classes will be virtual and available to watch at your own pace, with optional weekly zoom office hours offered for any questions or support. The final class (graduation) will be live over Zoom and require mandatory attendance. Graduates will receive a grant of $3,000 and be eligible to earn three units of college credit.

Applications are now closed for the Spring 2024 cohort. Please note that the first cohort has limited availability. However, if you're not selected for the initial round, your application will still be considered for future cohorts. Applications for future cohorts will open again in the coming weeks.

We will be running cohorts over the course of the next year and half, with spots and $3000 grants for 500 people! Please share this opportunity with your friends, family, neighbors, and community. Keep an eye out for regular announcements about future cohorts. Join us as we nurture a new generation of skilled culinary entrepreneurs!

Please note, COOK Academy is only accepting applications from residents of jurisdictions where MEHKOs are currently legal: Riverside, San Diego, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Imperial, Sierra, Lake, Amador, Santa Clara, Monterey, and Solano Counties, and the City of Berkeley

Applications will reopen soon

Subscribe below to our newsletter for updates about the applications for future cohorts.