If you’re looking to grow a food or beverage business in Northumberland, entrepreneurs can now look to a new partnership for help.
Northumberland County has announced the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) and Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre (OAFVC) are teaming up with the Foodpreneur Advantage program.
“The food and beverage sector is a vital contributor to Northumberland’s economy,” noted Rob Day, the county’s manager of economic development. “The OAFVC and the BECN both play important roles in supporting business growth through targeted programs and services.
“This new partnership with Foodpreneur Advantage adds a valuable educational component that will further strengthen business owner knowledge and skills.”
The Foodpreneur Advantage program is described as specialized training designed for individuals looking to start or expand a food or beverage manufacturing business producing consumer packaged goods (CPG).
This program is supposed to deliver educational opportunities that help entrepreneurs navigate the process of launching, scaling or expanding into new product lines.
Since 2015, county officials noted the agri-food centre based out of Colborne has supported nearly 400 CPG businesses across the province. Products produced have ranged from sauces to carbonated beverages, salsa and pita chips, to ice cream treats, frozen smoothies, granola bites, baked goods and even cricket protein, added officials.
Meanwhile, last year, about 85 reported businesses accessed the centre for food-safe production space and storage, streamlined shipping and building industry connections. Clients produced more than $4 million worth of goods onsite, according to the county.
“We’re excited to formalize our partnership with the BECN and the OAFVC through the Foodpreneur Advantage ecosystem,” said Phil Singeris, Foodpreneur Advantage program co-ordinator. “Together, we’re strengthening support for regional food and beverage entrepreneurs by connecting them to specific training, advisory services and growth opportunities, (ultimately) advancing a more resilient and competitive agri-food sector.”
Sessions are going to be held virtually for one hour on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Participants have to register for each individual session, but the courses are free.
Interested attendees can learn more online.
Upcoming training sessions will tackle areas such as starting a food business and regulatory compliance, how to sell products, costing and pricing to make profits, marketing and branding, food safety fundamentals for startups, and labelling and packaging.
The sessions start on April 16 and run until May 28.
