We know from first-hand experience how hard it is to take a food brand to market
When they first start a food business, many entrepreneurs have no idea just how difficult it will be.
Many think that with a great product and a bit of hard work, success would come naturally. But it turns out there is a lot more to it. From ensuring the right safety standards are met to finding the right outlets to get a product out there, more often than not it will be a long and winding road.
To help food entrepreneurs along the way, we have compiled a list of resources to help them grow and thrive.
Food and Beverage Business Accelerator Program
The Food and Beverage Business Accelerator Program supports Nova Scotian food and beverage producers to access services provided by Perennia. Perennia’s services can help food and beverage producers to improve their skills, access new markets, launch new products and develop new ideas for by-products.
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Venture Park Labs
Venturepark Labs is a non-profit organization that supports early-stage entrepreneurs in the food & wellness sectors. It was founded in 2015 by Arlene Dickinson as District Ventures Accelerator and District Ventures Kitchen.
Natural Products Canada
NPC is a Canadian organization that works with partners to identify and develop innovative natural solutions for the global market. They provide resources, guidance, programs and investments to support the Natural Product Innovation Cluster, which aims to provide natural solutions to consumers.
#BlackFoodEnergy Entrepreneurship Accelerator
The #BlackFoodEnergy Entrepreneurship Accelerator powered by DoorDash & Spring Activator addresses the challenges Black food entrepreneurs face in day to day business operations such as financial management, brand development, customer acquisition and employee retention due to the lack of experience, guidance and support.
YSpace @ York U
The YSpace @ York U program helps scale high-growth food and beverage ventures by providing expert mentorship, workshops, and peer-to-peer circles over a five-month period. It offers founders the resources, skills, and connections they need to succeed in the consumer-packaged goods industry.
BioEnterprise
BioEnterprise is a Canadian network of entrepreneurs, researchers, accelerators, and service partners, dedicated to advancing innovation in the agri-tech and food sector. Working to help businesses succeed, it provides resources and support to help entrepreneurs develop and grow their products.
AWESOME Virtual Accelerator
The AWESOME Accelerator provides 10 weeks of learning, sales development and connections for women entrepreneurs in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, supporting emerging businesses in the Canadian food, beverage and natural product industries. Women are underrepresented in the food sector, and this program looks to encourage their involvement and break down any barriers they may face.
IMPACT Startup Visa Food Innovation Accelerator
IMPACT work with impact-driven food innovators looking to move to Canada and scale their businesses while solidifying their immigration status under the Canadian Start-up Visa immigration pathway.
