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SBEC: Growing your food business opportunities organically

March 15, 2019   ·   0 Comments

Ontario’s food processing sector is the largest in Canada, employing over 100,000 people across the province. In Orangeville, employment in this sector is increasing at a rate even faster than the provincial average, growing by nearly 22 percent over the past five years. As consumer demand for fresh, locally produced food grows, the local food economy continues to thrive. 

The food industry in Ontario is highly regulated and closely monitored by all levels of government and operating in this sector requires research and due diligence. To provide food entrepreneurs with the tools they need to operate safely and successfully, the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) will be hosting a food business workshop, Selling Food in Ontario on March 21st. This information-packed session will feature presentations by a panel of food experts including representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. Topics will include food regulations, the inspection process, pricing, packaging, and market channels. Successful food entrepreneur Christian Horner will be on hand to share his expertise in growing his local food business, Fire in the Kitchen Spice Company. Christian will also provide tips on getting food products into the right retail space. 

Following the session, participants will have an opportunity to speak with the panelists one-to-one and get answers specific to their businesses. Whether just starting out or planning to expand, this session will offer comprehensive advice to help all entrepreneurs succeed. The workshop will take place on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 1 to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required by March 19th. To register, visit www.orangevillebusiness.ca/events, call the Orangeville & Area SBEC at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286, or email sbec@orangeville.ca.

Students learn to be the boss with Summer Company 2019 

Summer Company is a program of the Government of Ontario that helps young people between 15 and 29 years old start and run their own summer businesses by providing funding of up to $3,000, advice and services. In Dufferin County, the program is delivered by the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre. Students who enter the program gain valuable business skills and an opportunity to explore self-employment as a career option.

Students could be eligible if they:

• attend high school, college or university

• live in Ontario and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• are between 15 and 29 years old 

• are not already running a business; are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program

• are returning to school in the fall after the program ends

Students must complete an online application as well as a business plan and start-up budget. If accepted to the Summer Company program, students receive up to $1,500 to help cover the costs associated with start-up, such as equipment, supplies, insurance, and marketing expenses. In addition to the profits generated by their businesses, students who have successfully completed all aspects of the program can receive an additional $1500 when they return to school.

Interested students who would like to apply for the program can visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany or contact the Orangeville & Area SBEC at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2270 for more information and assistance.

Ellen Sinclair is the Co-ordinator of the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre. She can be reached at esinclair@orangeville.ca or 519-941-0440 Ext. 2270.

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