Description

Multicultural entrepreneurs and business and community leaders are invited to network over breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Catalyst Kitchen inside St. John's Lutheran Church, Rock Island.

There is no cost to attend. Breakfast is provided by multicultural vendors who work in the commercially licensed kitchen at 4501 7th Ave., Rock Island. Participants must register at least two days in advance. 

Attendees will learn about:

• Quad Cities Catalyst Kitchen
• Quad Cities Multicultural Business Directory
• Building business relationships
• Diversifying networks

This is the third and final event of a series this summer aimed at connecting multicultural businesses with business service providers and other leaders in the Quad Cities. The Chamber and Illinois Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University – Quad Cities hosted a Small Business Fair on Aug. 8 and a Minority Business Certification Workshop on June 27. 

Aligning with the Quad Cities’ Q2030 Regional Action Plan, the Chamber is working to boost awareness of multicultural- and minority-owned businesses in the community and provide them with opportunities to grow and thrive.

Catalyst Kitchen was founded in July 2018 by Palomares Social Justice Center in Moline and St. John’s Lutheran Church to foster entrepreneurship in the nearby Floreciente neighborhood. 

Certified food managers may rent the kitchen on an hourly or daily basis. Catalyst also offers support and mentorship to those who want to launch a food business.

Melissa Freidhof-Rodgers, a fourth-generation restaurateur and a favorite chef on Iowa Public Television's "Iowa Ingredient," coordinates a pop-up dinner series at the community kitchen called Café Mundo. 

The events aim to encourage acceptance and inclusion of the many cultures that exist in the Quad Cities.

Go to www.facebook.com/cafemundori for more information and updates about upcoming Café Mundo events.