Regional partners launch 11-week farm-to-retail workshop

BRUCE-GREY-SIMCOE – Starting Oct. 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.

“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 … will have access to the resources and mentorship they need to broaden their marketing channels, increase sales and bring new food products to consumers,” said Sara Bentham, director, Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, Georgian College.

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.

The program, which will be conducted virtually using Zoom, runs until Jan. 20, 2022 every Thursday between 1 and 3:30 p.m. There are two weeks off for Christmas and New Year’s. For more information, visit edo.simcoe.ca/agricultural-resources.

Sector experts from the food venture program will lead each of the 11 weekly 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 Oct. 11. Successful applicants will be notified by Oct. 19. Applications are available at  hbec.wufoo.com/forms/kg4vxrl145hdqo/.

Bruce County Warden Janice Jackson said, “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.”

“Food production is and always has been at the heart of innovation and a key economic driver in Grey County,” said Grey County Warden Selwyn “Buck” Hicks. “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.”