JACKSON, Miss. — Oxford, Mississippi-based No Time 2 Cook began in 2005 in Karen Kurr’s kitchen. With the assistance of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Minority and Small Business Development Division (MSBDD), the company has grown into a 5,000-square-foot facility in Oxford where it produces frozen, home-style meals found in more than 250 Kroger stores. Beginning in 2018, No Time 2 Cook products will also be found in more than 250 Walmart stores.
“Little did I know when No Time 2 Cook began that my hobby would one day end up in Kroger and now Walmart freezers. In the early days, I cooked all week and sold at farmers markets every weekend. I soon realized that there were not enough hours in the day to cook and sell direct to my customers, and wholesaling was the next logical step. But, a USDA-inspected kitchen was needed in order to do so,” said Kurr.
One program offered by the MSBDD is the Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to minority- and women-owned businesses.
“For financing, we turned to the MSBDD. Their low-interest loan program allowed us to build the plant so we could sell to anyone, anywhere. Being a certified, woman-owned business has been a huge factor as well in getting the attention of large corporations like Walmart. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the MSBDD loan and the support of the Mississippi Development Authority,” said Kurr.
“Karen is a shining example of the innovative spirit found throughout Mississippi, and we are honored to have played a role in the growth of her company,” said MSBDD Director Carol Harris. “We encourage companies seeking guidance or looking to grow in Mississippi to contact the MSBDD team so we can help put them on the path to success.”
Companies interested in learning more about the programs and services offered by the MSBDD may call (601) 359-3448 or e-mail minority@mississippi.org.