A FREE application-based sales development program for women and non-gender conforming agri-food founders in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories with emerging businesses. Join us to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and be part of a supportive community driving positive change in the agri-food industry.

Accelerator Applications for Cohort 5 are now closed. 

Program Overview

  • You will meet with your cohort once per week.

  • In a group setting, you will work on overcoming individual barriers related to branding, processing, distribution, and product development, with the guidance of experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and your peers.

  • Active engagement with your peers, mentors and industry leaders will be encouraged in each session.

  • You will be expected to make progress towards your own business development goals between each session.

  • There will be opportunities to pitch and sell in various practical scenarios.

  • You will have the opportunity to connect with mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs who can provide tailored guidance based on your specific needs. 

  • Orientation

    Week 1

    Orientation

  • Brand and Marketing

    Week 2

    Brand, Marketing & Advertising

  • Supply Chain Management

    Week 3

    Supply Chain Management

  • Food Safety

    Week 4

    Food Safety & Product Development

  • Distribution

    Week 5

    Logistics and Distribution

  • Operations

    Week 6

    Operations and Efficiency

  • Finance & Venture Capitalist

    Week 7

    Finance & Venture Capitalist

  • Pitch

    Week 8

    Pitch!

Applicant Eligibility:

  • You must own a food and/or beverage business and reside in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

  • You are a woman or non-gender conforming entrepreneur with at least 25% ownership and/or significant decision-making power in the business.

  • You currently own breadth of business in food products, health supplements, restaurants, beverages, manufacturing, brick-and-mortar retail, online retail, butcheries, livestock, agriculture, greenhouse production, bakeries, cafes, and catering services.

Accelerator Applications for Cohort 5 are now closed.

If your application is selected, you will be invited to interview with the coordinators to determine your fit and acceptance as a participant.
Applying doesn’t guarantee an interview.

Why do we run this program?

  • Food & beverage processing is the largest manufacturing employer in Canada

  • The proportion of women and gender non-conforming owners in Canada continues to increase.

  • Critical members of our community remain underrepresented, facing operational barriers and barriers of equitable opportunity

  • FEAD works to build confidence and knowledge whilst deconstructing existing barriers and biases.