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Jen Wu
Futurist and Innovation Research Strategist at Malamute
Jen Wu is the Founder of Cookhouse, a culinary events space based in San Francisco, California. Her journey into hospitality began after the events of September 11, 2001, when she volunteered at St. Paul’s Chapel, providing meals and support to emergency workers. This experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of shared meals and community.1
Education and Career Background:
Jen holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University, where she studied Statistics & Operations Research and Marketing, with a focus on Entertainment, Media, and Technology. She has extensive experience in market research and has held various roles in the entertainment and technology sectors, including positions at Warner Music Group and Comscore, Inc..24
In 2009, Jen founded Cookhouse with the vision of creating a space that addresses the challenges of hosting social and business events. The venue operated from 2011 until 2022, hosting nearly 2,000 events and collaborating with numerous local vendors to provide exceptional dining experiences.13
Current Role:
Alongside her work at Cookhouse, Jen has been involved in innovation and foresight research at Malamute since 2009. She continues to create strategic research structures that guide innovation initiatives.24
Jen's commitment to sustainability is evident in Cookhouse's operations, where she emphasized local sourcing and reducing waste through in-house rentals. This dedication to environmental responsibility remains a core value as she transitions into new projects.1
For more details about her professional background, you can view her LinkedIn profile under the username jenxwu.
Highlights
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Alternative funds for small business owners, independent contractors, and the self-employed are available now! There are new applications open from Facebook, Verizon, and Salesforce. Plus, the PUA Program allows these types of workers unemployment benefits - in California, you can start applying April 28.
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Our experience: Cookhouse received a partial grant from the SF Business Resiliency Fund. What we can use it on is limited. We also got a EIDL advance, but only 30% of what was originally expected. Both help, but it's objectively not enough. I've applied for various other grants and the PPP loan, but haven't been approved for any of these yet and am looking at another week of filling forms and not covering bills.
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What I'm doing about it: I'm launching a pledge program because many of the above won't allow us to pay vendors we owe, security, website, insurance, etc. And even if we get the PPP loan, there are ancillary costs to running a hyperlocal business with employees that it won't cover. Pledges will help bridge that gap.
Cookhouse has always adapted with the times, and I'm interested in seeing how small events - our specialty - will change. We'll evolve to fit new needs.
#eventsindustry #financialaid #grants #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner
