The Hatchery Chicago: price, who can join and alternatives
The Hatchery Chicago is a food business incubator on N Kedzie Ave with an Entrepreneur Membership for food, beverage and modern manufacturing founders. Members get no-cost classes, workshops and networking, plus connections with other entrepreneurs in and outside the incubator, and public classes cover starting a food business. Membership is by application and is not guaranteed.
The Hatchery Chicago at a glance
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Food and beverage and modern manufacturing founders | thehatcherychicago.org |
| Where | 135 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago | thehatcherychicago.org |
| Upcoming event | Chicago Made & Merry holiday market and networking evening, 19 November 2026 | thehatcherychicago.org |
| Upcoming class | Starting a Food Business class, 10 November 2026, online, $40 (currency not named) | thehatcherychicago.org |
| Member benefits | No-cost classes, workshops, networking and events | thehatcherychicago.org |
| Peers | Connections with other entrepreneurs in and outside the incubator | thehatcherychicago.org |
| Entry | Membership is not guaranteed; financials and proof of concept may be needed | thehatcherychicago.org |
| Access | Discounted or no-cost classes for West Side residents | thehatcherychicago.org |
Who it suits
- Food and beverage founders who want incubator support
- Early food entrepreneurs who want a starter class
- West Side residents looking for low-cost classes
Who it doesn't suit
- Software or tech-only founders
- Anyone wanting a casual drinks meetup with no programme
- Founders who want a published membership price before applying
Alternatives to The Hatchery Chicago
| Community | Price | Entry rule |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Million Cups Chicago | Not published | Open; register on Luma, apply to present |
| 1871 | Individual $200 a month or $2000 a year (currency not named) | Fill out an application form |
| Chicago Founders Club | Free | Open; register on Sweatpals |
| Chicago Indie Hackers | Not published | Open; RSVP on Meetup |
| Chicago Startup Events | Not published | Varies; dinner seats need host approval |
| Chicago Women Visionary Entrepreneurs | Not published | Open; RSVP on Meetup |
| Founder's Therapy Chicago | Not published | Open; RSVP on Meetup |
| LaFamilia Chicago | Pay what you want; $25 suggested at its October 2026 event (currency not named) | Request to join each event; some by application |
Compare all 471 founder communities, each row dated.
Questions about The Hatchery Chicago
- Who is The Hatchery for?
- Food and beverage and modern manufacturing founders across the Chicagoland area.
- How do I join?
- Apply for Entrepreneur Membership. It is not guaranteed, and financials and proof of concept may be required.
- What is on soon?
- A Starting a Food Business class online on 10 November 2026 ($40, currency not named) and a holiday market and networking evening at The Hatchery on 19 November 2026.
- Website
- thehatcherychicago.org
- Price
- Starter class $40 (currency not named); membership price not published
- Entry rule
- Membership by application; classes open to the public
- Format
- Food business incubator with classes, events and member networking
- Checked
The Hatchery Chicago isn't connected to Remote Builders. Prices and entry rules change, so check thehatcherychicago.org before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.