Cohort 4: Local Food Products
Whenever people gather, there’s sure to be good food. It brings us joy and keeps us connected to each other and to the land we come from. Sharing food is a demonstration of our Northern hospitality at its finest that leaves people with lasting memories and a desire to come back for more. It's also an important part of local economic development, our daily health and wellbeing, and growing sovereignty as communities and Nations.
Whether we’re harvesting from the land, creating a batch of specialty ice cream or perfecting a family spice rub recipe, we’re offering something delicious and valuable to our community. Customers across the North and beyond are keen to support Indigenous food businesses and they’re ready to explore new flavours. There’s a growing demand for locally sourced products that taste great and have a powerful story to tell.
This Cohort will take food entrepreneurs through a 9-month professional and personal growth journey that will enable them to grow all aspects of their business. Programming will cover leadership, marketing, operations, finance and investment-readiness through a Northern Indigenous lens. In short, it’s an opportunity for entrepreneurs to build a thriving, sustainable food business that has a positive community impact and the potential to reach new markets.
9-Month Program Benefits
Other Program Perks and Benefits
Who should apply
Indigenous entrepreneurs in the NWT, Nunavut and the Yukon with proof of demand for their food-related products (e.g. sales at a community market or online). We are looking for innovative food businesses that have the potential to grow and make an impact. Please see The Entrepreneur Growth Program page for further details. This flagship program is grounded in Indigenous-centred business education that empowers participants to tap into their strengths and access the tools they need to thrive. All program costs are covered and bursaries are available.
Examples of Eligible Food Products + Businesses
Apply Online
Fill out our Online Application Form
For any questions, please contact EntrepreNorth's Project Coordinator, Tammy Oliver-Snook: [email protected]
Whether we’re harvesting from the land, creating a batch of specialty ice cream or perfecting a family spice rub recipe, we’re offering something delicious and valuable to our community. Customers across the North and beyond are keen to support Indigenous food businesses and they’re ready to explore new flavours. There’s a growing demand for locally sourced products that taste great and have a powerful story to tell.
This Cohort will take food entrepreneurs through a 9-month professional and personal growth journey that will enable them to grow all aspects of their business. Programming will cover leadership, marketing, operations, finance and investment-readiness through a Northern Indigenous lens. In short, it’s an opportunity for entrepreneurs to build a thriving, sustainable food business that has a positive community impact and the potential to reach new markets.
9-Month Program Benefits
- Indigenous-Centred Business Education
- Professional Coaching and Business Mentorship
- Personalized Wellness Plan with Budget
- Peer Support and Alumni Network
- Networking Events and Opportunities
- Pitch Events
Other Program Perks and Benefits
- Program participation is free for selected participants
- Bursaries are offered for program participation
- All-expenses paid travel opportunities across the North
- Data reimbursement and childcare support
Who should apply
Indigenous entrepreneurs in the NWT, Nunavut and the Yukon with proof of demand for their food-related products (e.g. sales at a community market or online). We are looking for innovative food businesses that have the potential to grow and make an impact. Please see The Entrepreneur Growth Program page for further details. This flagship program is grounded in Indigenous-centred business education that empowers participants to tap into their strengths and access the tools they need to thrive. All program costs are covered and bursaries are available.
Examples of Eligible Food Products + Businesses
- Locally sourced + harvested food products with a shelf life (e.g. candied char, dry meat, dry fish, pickled vegetables, frozen seafood, etc.)
- Packaged and deliverable food products (e.g. popcorn, spices, jams, honey, pastries, etc.)
- Beverages (teas, coffee, kombucha, and cold pressed juices, etc.)
- Superfoods (herbs, plants, berries, pollens, etc.)
- Other food-related businesses (assessed on a case by case basis)
Apply Online
Fill out our Online Application Form
For any questions, please contact EntrepreNorth's Project Coordinator, Tammy Oliver-Snook: [email protected]
