Technology
Frankston's mobile food startups scale from street vendors to national distribution
From local street-side beginnings to national distribution, the city’s incubator programs are reshaping the regional business landscape.
How we reported this
The path from a kitchen concept to a national brand is increasingly running through the Frankston City Council’s mobile food van program. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to lower the barrier to entry for local entrepreneurs by offering dedicated trading sites and structured support. Perhaps the most visible success story to date is Caravan Chai, a startup that originated within the council’s program and has successfully scaled its operations to reach a national market, according to data from Frankston City Council (https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Things-To-Do/Whats-On/The-Start-Up-Sesh).
Scaling Up in a Growing Economy
This surge in entrepreneurial activity arrives alongside a broader shift in the regional economy. Over the last 12 months, Frankston City has recorded 639 new GST registrations, contributing to a robust $9.6 billion Gross Regional Product (https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/News-and-media/Latest-News/Media-Release-2025/Frankston-City-experiencing-a-boom-in-new-businesses). For many new founders, the ecosystem surrounding these ventures is just as critical as the businesses themselves. The Frankston Foundry, established in 2016, continues to act as a primary incubator for startups across the bayside and Mornington Peninsula region, bolstered by a $154,500 LaunchVic grant awarded during Round 2 (https://mpbusiness.com.au/tech-startups/).
Resources for the Next Generation
Beyond mobile food vans and traditional tech incubators, those focused on social entrepreneurship have a dedicated space at the Chisholm Institute TAFE on Fletcher Road. The Frankston Social Enterprise Hub offers free coworking spaces, organized events, and networking opportunities designed to help founders scale their impact (https://fseh.org.au/news/meet-a-local-social-enterprise/). These institutions collectively provide the infrastructure necessary for new businesses to navigate the early stages of development.
For those looking to enter the mobile food space, the council continues to refine its site allocations. Following the opening of Expressions of Interest on 20 October 2025, a new cohort of licences took effect on 1 June 2026. These licences permit operators to trade at high-visibility locations such as the Oliver’s Hill Boat Ramp and Ballam Park, providing entrepreneurs with access to established foot traffic as they look to build their customer base (https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Business-and-Growth/Think-Local-Month/Think-Local-Stars).