For many aspiring food entrepreneurs, turning a passion for cooking into a thriving business can feel daunting. Navigating permits, building a business model, and perfecting recipes are just a few of the hurdles they face.
That’s where the Sherman Heights Community Center’s Sherman Cocina program steps in — a six-week culinary and business development course offered in Spanish that equips small food entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence to grow their businesses and uplift their communities.
Building Latino Entrepreneurs
Sherman Cocina provides participants with a solid foundation in culinary arts, business management, and regulatory compliance. Through hands-on learning and expert guidance, participants develop essential skills in food preparation, menu creation, pricing, urban ecology, and marketing — all designed to help their businesses flourish.
For Irene, a past participant, the business-focused lessons were transformative.
“This class really opened my eyes to how I can be more professional in my business,” she shared.
Victoria echoed that sentiment, finding clarity in what had once seemed overwhelming:
“This class was very interesting because we learned that there are many types of permits depending on what you want to do, and there is a lot of support for small businesses.”
Learning by Doing
One of the most celebrated elements of Sherman Cocina is the hands-on culinary training. From bread-making to innovative salsa recipes, participants are encouraged to explore new techniques and flavors while reconnecting with cultural traditions.
Isabel, who attended a bread-making session, shared her joy: “I loved the experience of making focaccia bread! My daughter is also baking her own bread.”
Rosalia discovered that even the simplest ingredients could spark creativity.
“I learned that you can make salsa with everything you have in your kitchen,” she shared. “It’s just a matter of putting your imagination to work.
“I remember that we can prepare those dishes that we cooked with our parents and grandparents.”
More Than a Program — A Community
Beyond the technical training, Sherman Cocina fosters a supportive environment where participants learn, share ideas, and build lasting relationships.
Isabel reflected on the camaraderie, “I really enjoyed the course and everyone that was present for the 16 weeks; it was beautiful to be in this space.”
Supporting Latino Economic Mobility
Latinos make up 35% of San Diego County’s population — approximately 1.1 million people — yet many face systemic barriers that limit economic opportunities. According to the State of San Diego Latinos Report, only 51% of Latinos in the region earn self-sufficient wages.
The El Camino Fund at San Diego Foundation was created to help change this narrative by investing $5 million over five years to advance Latino economic mobility. Sherman Cocina is one example of how this investment is making a difference, providing Latino entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to succeed.
By supporting programs like Sherman Cocina, we are not only helping individuals launch their dreams — we are building a more inclusive, resilient economy for San Diego. When Latino entrepreneurs thrive, entire communities prosper, paving a brighter “camino” for generations to come.
Learn more about the El Camino Fund and how you can support San Diego’s Latino community.
