Idea Works, Inc

Cooking ClassesFarmers Market Cooking DemonstrationsCommercial KitchenFood Truck Park

We’re a Nonprofit Making an Entrepreneurial Impact

Idea Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in downtown Mansfield and is the passion project of a small but dedicated team that is proud to call Richland County home and strives every day to nurture entrepreneurs. Our commercial shared kitchen supports new and growing food-based businesses by providing them an economical space to help turn their ideas reality.

Why do we do what we do?

• We know that starting a new business is a huge financial commitment. By providing shared-use space (think Uber rideshare, Airbnb home share) we remove some of that start-up overhead burden.

• Being centrally located in Ohio, with easy access to many major thoroughfares, Richland County is perfectly positioned as a hub of business and economic development. 

• We support solo entrepreneurs who want to be in business for themselves -
  especially if they don’t have a big budget to match their big idea.

• By supporting all types of businesses we are impacting our community with lasting economic growth.

What have we done in the past year?

• We continued to provide space and amenities to more than 25 food related businesses in all stages of growth at our commercial kitchen at 144 W 3rd Street, Mansfield, Ohio.
• Began renovation of the former Sons of Italy bar at our existing location to offer cooking classes, small event rental, and pop-up restaurant opportunities for our member companies.

Why Should You Support Idea Works?
There is no shortage of wonderful nonprofits that you can contribute to during the 2024 Richland Gives campaign. We’re looking for supporters who believe that the key to Richland County’s progress is a solid economic foundation that does not exclude those who have innovative ideas with no means to implement them.

In the coming year, we want to continue to build out and offer even more kitchen space, host a farm-to-table fundraiser, grow the downtown Mansfield food truck park, and continue to improve the Idea Works Kitchen to welcome even more members and offer more communtiy programs.

We believe in the promise and possibility of Richland County. Please join us in our efforts to create a strong economic foundation that will move us all forward!