Food Enterprises Advancement and SME Transformation (FEAST)
A 9-12 month business incubator designed to help processed food entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario transition from farmers’ market vendors to scalable commercial operations.
- Limited spots per cohort
- Access to a commercial kitchen space
- Professional mentorship and guidance
- Food safety and regulatory compliance assistance
- Up to $5,000 in funding available at 50% cost-share for eligible businesses
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Program Overview
Dreaming of taking your delicious food products beyond the farmers’ market? FEAST: Food Enterprises Advancement and SME Transformation is a 9–12-month program designed to help food entrepreneurs like you grow and scale. Get access to a fully equipped commercial kitchen with modern appliances to bring your recipes to the next level.
Cohort participants receive expert guidance on business development, food safety, and regulatory compliance, along with mentorship and networking opportunities with fellow food business owners.
Plus, enjoy financial support of up to $5,000 and reimbursement for eligible business expenses. With practical tools, professional support, and strategic funding, FEAST empowers you to expand your reach, grow sustainably, and turn your culinary passion into a thriving business.
Eligible individual businesses can receive up to $5,000 at 50% cost-share once program milestones are met. To apply for the program, email at chathura@nwoinnovation.ca
The application deadline is August 12, 2026 for the current intake.
Business Eligibility
- Start-ups, existing businesses and Indigenous communities
- Business must be located in Northwestern Ontario
- Manufacturing or interested in manufacturing food products such as baked goods, preserves, or prepared foods
- Value-added products (not reselling or restaurants)
Program Benifits
- Commercial kitchen access: 10 hours/month
- Business mentorship and development support
- Food safety and regulatory guidance
- Networking with fellow entrepreneurs
- Access to up to $5,000 in reimbursement funding (50%)
- Access to kitchen space | dry storage | refrigerator and freezer space up to $1500 (including tax) per cohort participant (subject to availability)
Business Requirements
- Must pay one time program fee of $225 once approved
- Ready to expand beyond farmers’ markets and scale your business
- Committed to building a sustainable and thriving food business
- Ready to fully engage in the program for 9-12 months once approved
- Business needs to operate on a full time basis (min 30 hrs/week)
Contact Information
Chathura Jayasinghe
is passionate about empowering businesses, especially those in the agri-food sector.
- 1 807-464-1558
- 1 807-768-6682 (Thunder Bay Office)
- chathura@nwoinnovation.ca
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of food businesses qualify?
: Processed food businesses including baked goods, preserves, jams, sauces, prepared meals, specialty foods, and similar value-added products. We do not accept fresh produce resellers, restaurants, or businesses that don’t add value through processing.
Do I need to be currently selling at farmers' markets?
Yes, we’re specifically targeting entrepreneurs who have validated their product at farmers’ markets and are ready to scale. If you have not validated your business idea just yet, you can be eligible by completing the Trailblazer Program
What does the $225 cover?
Unlock six months of commercial kitchen access (10 hours per month) plus expert business mentorship, dedicated support, and access to workshops and training opportunities, an offering valued at over $2,400. Need storage? Enjoy dry, freezer, and fridge space at heavily subsidized rates, giving your business a cost-effective edge.
How does the $5,000 funding work?
Successful program participants can apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursement funding at 50% (meaning you spend $10,000, we reimburse $5,000). This is for eligible business expenses like equipment, packaging, marketing, certifications, testing etc.
When exactly does the program start?
Early May, 2026. Specific dates will be announced when applications open.
Can I choose my own kitchen hours?
Access to the commercial kitchen is subject to the availability but kitchen is mostly on weekdays after 4:30 pm until 8:00 pm CST. On weekends from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm CST. Prior reservations to the kitchen is mandatory.
What if I'm Indigenous/non-Indigenous?
This program is open to all food entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario who meet the eligibility criteria.
What happens after the 9-12 months?
Successful graduates may have opportunities to continue using the facility at graduated rates and will have built connections and skills to operate independently.
How are the 6 participants selected?
Applications will be reviewed based on business readiness, product viability, commitment to growth, and alignment with program goals.
Do I need food safety certification?
Food handler certification is required. If you don’t have it, we can help you obtain it as part of the program.
What is included in $1500 worth kitchen access package?
$1500 kitchen access package includes booking commercial kitchen space, accessing dry storage, refrigerator and freezer space for each cohort participants (subject to availability).
This $1500 is inclusive of any applicable taxes and this arrangement will be supported through the Seven Generations Education Institute in Kenora.