British Columbia’s entrepreneurs in the food-processing sector have an exciting opportunity to receive tools and expertise, enabling them to innovate and capitalize on emerging markets with the new BC FoodWorks Program, funded by Growing Forward 2 (GF2).

The BC FoodWorks Program is investing up to $400,000 into the province’s agrifood industry. The program is designed to provide guidance to British Columbia’s new and rapidly growing group of entrepreneurs seeking to commercialize innovative food and natural-health products. These efforts will lead to the creation of new jobs, while strengthening agrifoods business networks and promoting the growth of the B.C. food processing sector.

Entrepreneurs participating in the program will receive support through customized workshops as well as one-on-one coaching and mentoring from a network of seasoned professionals in the food processing industry who can assist in helping processing ventures and overcoming identified challenges. The program focuses on empowering new or early-stage B.C. agrifood processing companies that have high-potential growth and are seeking to grow their market presence.

The BC FoodWorks program provides food processors with business advisory services and structured training that can help businesses succeed in domestic, national and international markets.

The program funding is provided under GF2 through the Provincially Significant Projects Program – Innovation Program. GF2 is a five-year agreement, launched in 2013, that provides a $3-billion, federal-provincial-territorial government investment in innovation, competitiveness and market development.

Quotes:

Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food –

“With our goal of making the agri-food sector a leader in innovation and job creation, the Government of Canada is thrilled to support startup and up-and-coming agri-food businesses in British Columbia. By helping entrepreneurs produce and market their innovative food products, we are helping to ensure a prosperous future for all Canadians.”

Norm Letnick, B.C. Agriculture Minister –

“This program is supporting B.C.’s entrepreneurs in the food processing industry by offering them guidance and opportunities to succeed in a very competitive market. The future of agri-foods is bright and with BC FoodWorks, the industry here in B.C. can continue to thrive.” 

Learn More:

To learn more about the BC FoodWorks Program, visit: http://www.bcfoodworks.com/bcfoodworks/

For more information on Growing Forward 2 programs in British Columbia, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/growing-forward-2

For more information on Growing Forward 2, visit:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/about-us/key-departmental-initiatives/growing-forward-2/?id=1294780620963