The City of Manteca is proud to introduce the Manteca Culinary Launch Pad - Food Truck Incubator Program, a pilot initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in the culinary sector, supporting small business development, and showcasing local culinary talent. This program offers aspiring food entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to launch and grow their businesses without the high financial barriers typically associated with starting a food truck.

Through a phased approach, entrepreneurs will receive coordinated technical assistance, permitting support, and City-led promotion, with mentorship support from the City's partner organization, Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Entrepreneurs will also benefit from dedicated City staff to assist in streamlining internal processes to successfully launch and operate a mobile food cart business in Manteca.

This program is designed to serve as a steppingstone, helping participants build sustainable businesses that may ultimately evolve into permanent, brick-and-mortar establishments. 

Program Benefits

The selected entrepreneur will have access to the following benefits:

• Assistance with application preparation, financial planning, and business pitch development will be available upon request through the SBDC prior to application submission. 
• Use of fully equipped food cart and equipment which includes a generator, point-of-sale system, cameras, etc.
• The food cart includes refrigerators, a food prep station, heating and cooling stations perfect for, but not limited to: sandwiches, soups, salads, beverages, etc.
  •  The food cart does not include a hood or stove.
• Mentorship and coaching throughout the course of the program.
• Marketing and promotion support.
• Dedicated spaces at City and City Co-Sponsored events
• Mobile Food Vendor Permit fees shall be waived for selected entrepreneur

Application Submittals:

Applicants must submit a complete application with supplemental documentations, describing their proposed food cart concept, menu, branding vision, and overall business approach, including a financial plan demonstrating the ability to successfully operate for the duration of the program.

Business Pitch Event:

Following the application period, selected applicants will be invited to participate in an in-person business pitch presentation to the City of Manteca Program Committee.

Presentations will include a business concept pitch and a taste testing of proposed menu items. Applicants will be evaluated based on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact on the Manteca community.

Marketing materials, visual aids, and supplemental material are not required for the pitch event; however, applicants are welcome to bring them if they believe they will enhance their presentation. One entrepreneur will be selected per program cycle.

Program Launch Date: March 16, 2026

Application Period: March 16, 2026 - May 4, 2026

Business Pitch Event: Tentatively Scheduled May 11, 2026 - May 14, 2026

Determination Letters Issued: Late May 2026

Onboarding Period: Early June 2026