Bay FC has confirmed that La Cocina, a San Francisco non-profit that supports emerging food business owners, will receive $25,000 as part of this season’s “Goals for Grants” initiative run in partnership with PNC Bank.
The scheme, powered by Bay FC’s B Empowered initiative and PNC, reached its maximum funding threshold this season. The contribution will be used to help entrepreneurs in La Cocina’s network move from early-stage food ventures to long-term, sustainable operations.
La Cocina provides training, access to commercial kitchen space and mentorship, with the aim of helping women, immigrants, and people of colour navigate the challenges of launching and expanding a food business. The funding will focus on late-stage participants, giving them practical resources, guidance and financial tools as they prepare for major growth steps such as signing commercial leases, securing bank funding and increasing production capacity.
Bay FC said the partnership not only supports La Cocina’s mission but also ties in with the club’s wider effort to promote financial empowerment and business development in the Bay Area. As part of the collaboration, Bay FC and La Cocina will also roll out a social media spotlight series later this month, showcasing locally based entrepreneurs who have progressed through La Cocina’s programme. The first feature is expected to appear on Bay FC’s Instagram page.
“One of our founding principles as a club is being community focused – dedicated to empowering women across the Bay Area and building leaders in our community,” said Bay FC Executive Vice President of Communications, Community Impact, and Public Affairs Lisa Goodwin-Scharff. “La Cocina is doing incredible work by supporting women entrepreneurs and helping them build their businesses from the ground up – something we know requires time, resources, and capital. Together with PNC, we are proud to support La Cocina’s vision and their entrepreneurs through this tangible investment.”
The donation builds on previous awards through the “Goals for Grants” programme. Earlier recipients included business founders taking part in Santa Clara University’s Bronco Ventures Accelerator, who used their grants to continue product development and scale operations. Bay FC said the support for La Cocina is intended to serve a similar purpose, enabling entrepreneurs already working at advanced stages of their ventures to drive their culinary ideas forward.
“It was a tremendous honor to see ‘Goals for Grants’ continue to empower local entrepreneurs who will fuel the region’s economic growth,” said Megan Schoettmer, PNC regional president for Northern California. “PNC is committed to helping business leaders thrive by supporting their financial success. Together with Bay FC, who continues to champion and uplift communities, we can create meaningful, lasting change where it matters most.”
La Cocina leaders welcomed the funding, saying it will directly benefit entrepreneurs at a crucial point in their journey. “We are incredibly grateful to Bay FC and PNC Bank for this $25,000 investment,” said Leticia Landa, Executive Director of La Cocina. “These funds will go directly to late-stage entrepreneurs who are at pivotal moments, preparing to sign their first commercial lease, secure bank loans, or scale production for retail distribution. This funding provides critical financial consulting and tools that make the difference between dreaming about growth and actually achieving it. Every goal scored by Bay FC translates into tangible resources these entrepreneurs need to take their next big step.”
Founded in 2005, La Cocina has supported hundreds of participants by offering access to kitchen facilities, training, and business support over a five- to six-year trajectory. Many graduates have gone on to open restaurants, distribute food products nationally, and take on leadership roles within the industry. The organisation currently counts nearly 100 active businesses in its community.
While based in the Bay Area, La Cocina’s model is gaining attention further afield. It works with organisations across the US and internationally to share its approach to inclusive business development, contributing to wider efforts to widen access to entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead, La Cocina is preparing to relaunch the San Francisco Street Food Festival to mark its 20th anniversary. The event will take place on 8 and 9 November at China Basin Park, featuring vendors linked to the programme. Ticket information and vendor details are available online.
