Regional partners launch 11-week Farm to Retail Workshop to support local growers

Starting October 28, the counties of Simcoe, Grey, and Bruce, along with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre of Georgian College, are partnering on an 11-week Farm to Retail Workshop. Delivered by the Food Venture Program, this workshop will help farmers turn business ideas into finished products, and new or small agri-food businesses to grow.

The Workshop looks at all aspects of the food development process, including:

Week 1 – Oct. 28 – Food Trends for 2021, Idea Feasibility
Week 2 – Nov. 4 – Competitive Analysis, Constraints and Channels
Week 3 – Nov. 11 – Value Proposition and Business Plan
Week 4 – Nov. 18 – Food Science, Recipe Development
Week 5 – Nov. 25 – Sanitation and Food Safety
Week 6 – Dec. 2 – Circularity and Sustainability in Food
Week 7 – Dec. 9 – Food Packaging and Nutrition Labeling
Week 8 – Dec. 16 – Branding and Marketing Your Food Product
Week 9 – Jan. 6 – Financial Feasibility and Profitability
Week 10 – Jan. 13 – Food Product Sales and the Art of Pitching
Week 11 – Jan. 20 – Food Labeling Software

The program, which will be conducted virtually using Zoom, starts October 28 and runs until January 20 every Thursday between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. There are two weeks off for Christmas and New Year. For more information, visit https://edo.simcoe.ca/agricultural-resources.

Sector experts from the Food Venture Program will lead each of the 11-week sessions. Participants will receive more information closer to the program start date.

Space is limited for this program and those interested in participating will need to submit an application by October 11, 2021. Successful participants will be notified by October 19 if they have been selected to participate in the program. Applications are available at https://hbec.wufoo.com/forms/kg4vxrl145hdqo/.

Quotes

“The County has a large agricultural sector and many innovative farming and food entrepreneurs. We are pleased to work with our local industry partners to provide this extensive course to help more emerging producers get their products to market. Through our Economic Development and Tourism offices, we are committed to helping our business owners grow our economy, enhance our sustainable local food network and sell more Made in Simcoe County products to the world.” – George Cornell, County of Simcoe Warden

“Food production is and always has been at the heart of innovation and a key economic driver in Grey County. We are pleased to support our agri-food entrepreneurs to develop, refine, and scale their businesses for success with the Food Venture Program, which will offer all the tools a food business needs to thrive through access to leading industry experts.” – Selwyn “Buck” Hicks, Grey County Warden

“Supporting our agri-food entrepreneurs in developing, expanding and growing their businesses plays a key role in the economic prosperity of our communities. The Food Venture Program connects businesses with the right tools, skills and connections needed for agri-food entrepreneurs to thrive.” –Janice Jackson, Bruce County Warden

“The Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre is proud to support this vital program for farmers to sell their products in a retail space.  The Agri-Food businesses within Simcoe County will have access to the resources and mentorship they need to broaden their marketing channels, increase sales and bring new food products to consumers.” – Sara Bentham, Director, Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, Georgian College

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For more information contact Rob Hatten, communications manager, at rob.hatten [at] grey.ca or call 519-372-0219 ext.1235 or 519-373-1592.