ICNC is excited to welcome Katherine Valleau to the team! Katherine is the new Entrepreneur Engagement Manager at The Hatchery. Katherine will work closely with food and beverage entrepreneurs to help them navigate resources, build connections, and grow their businesses within The Hatchery Ecosystem.
Before joining The Hatchery, Katherine co-owned and operated Exit Strategy Brewing Company in Forest Park, Illinois. As a founder herself, she understands the realities of building a business from the ground up—from the excitement of launching something new to the constant problem-solving required to keep it moving forward.
Katherine’s background also includes work in education and community leadership, where she focused on creating supportive environments and helping people develop their ideas and skills. That experience, combined with her work as a storyteller and podcast host highlighting the people behind craft businesses, informs her approach to entrepreneur engagement.
At The Hatchery, Katherine is passionate about connecting founders with resources, fostering community among entrepreneurs, and helping shine a light on the innovative food and beverage businesses growing within the ICNC ecosystem.
