Useful Resources
You must complete ALL of the following BEFORE applying for kitchen space or becoming part of COOK-UPs incubator program:
01. OBTAIN YOUR FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE
The entrepreneurs must have a valid Food Handlers Certificate prior to beginning operations in the kitchen.
Be sure you register for both the online course AND the exam. While the online course is offered free of charge, there is a $10 fee to write the exam.
02. MASTER BUSINESS LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
Entrepreneurs must register their food business operation either as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. Entrepreneurs must submit to COOK-UP a copy of either a Master Business License or Certificate of Incorporation. For more information: Ontario Business Registry
After being ACCEPTED into COOK-UP's kitchen or one of COOK-UP's programs:
01. FILL OUT AND SIGN THE RENTAL AGREEMENT
02. REFUNDABLE SECURITY DEPOSIT
We do require a refundable security deposit of $150 that COOK-UP will hold without interest. The security deposit will be applied to any fees, fines or outstanding balances incurred by the entrepreneur. The security deposit will be returned in full to the entrepreneur at the end of the rental period less any fees, fines or outstanding balances.
03. OBTAIN LIABILITY INSURANCE
The entrepreneur must provide proof of business liability insurance for at least $2 million that names COOK-UP as an additional insured party. Here are a few insurance companies to check out The Chef Alliance, PAL Canada, ZENSURANCE
04. ORIENTATION
Prior to your inspection with the Health Unit, we will conduct a kitchen orientation with you so you can learn the operations of the kitchen and get comfortable using the space.
05. PERMIT TO OPERATE OR INSPECTION REPORT
The entrepreneur must notify the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit of its intention to operate a food business in Windsor-Essex. Entrepreneurs must contact the Environmental Health Department at 519-258-2146 ext. 4475 to request a pre-inspection before starting operations in the kitchen. Entrepreneurs must notify COOK-UP of their inspection date and must submit a copy of their permit to operate or inspection report to COOK-UP. For more information: The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit