ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL INSERT DATE, 2026
The Agri-Food Startup Program
The Agri-Food Start-Up Program is designed to support equity-deserving and Indigenous entrepreneurs in building and growing successful food-based businesses.
In collaboration with Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, local municipalities and industry partners like Boreal Farms, the program aims to break down systemic barriers in the agri-food sector and foster inclusive economic growth across the Region.
By addressing barriers like limited access to commercial kitchens and educational challenges including financial literacy and business principles, the goal of the program is to empower equity-deserving and Indigenous entrepreneurs to start a food business.
The program is offered free of charge and provides participants with a wide range of support and resources. While it does not include a financial grant, it delivers valuable services and access to tools to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
The program will run in two cohorts over the course of two years. In 2025, the first cohort will welcome 10 entrepreneurs to participate in the program. A second cohort, also consisting of 10 entrepreneurs, will be selected in 2026 to continue building on the program’s impact.
What to Expect
The program will be delivered in a hybrid format, with online training modules and in-person access to commercial kitchen spaces. The cohort will run from September 2025 to March 2026. Participants are expected to commit four to eight hours per week to complete online modules and other training.
Tailored Entrepreneurial Support
Participants will receive mentorship, training and resources designed to support early-stage food product development. Areas of support include food safety, business planning, branding and market entry strategies led by Foodpreneur Lab.
Access to Commercial Kitchen Spaces
Entrepreneurs will have access to subsidized commercial-grade kitchens through the Syzl platform. Participants will also receive access to AI-driven tools to optimize production.
Culturally Relevant Indigenous Support
Elders and Advisors from the Chippewas of Georgina Island and neighbouring First Nations will mentor Indigenous participants, incorporating traditional knowledge and practices into sustainable business models.
Community Engagement & Research
York Region Food Network will engage with program participants to identify systemic barriers and gather feedback to ensure the program remains responsive to the unique needs of local equity-deserving and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Identify as Indigenous or a member of an equity-deserving group (visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGTBQI+)
- Canadian or Permanent Resident and a reside in Ontario
- 18 years or older
- Demonstrate readiness to learn through coaching, workshops and peer mentorship
- Have a food product concept or early-stage product
- Be in the pre-revenue or early-revenue stage (less than $25,000 annual sales)
- Commit to completing the full self-paced 14-week online program (4 to 8 hours per week)
Disclaimer: Preference will be given to applicants that are based in York Region including the Chippewas of Georgina Island.
Thank you for your interest. The next round of applications will open in 2026. Join our newsletter and be the first to hear when applications reopen.
Applications for The Agri-Food Startup Program are now being accepted until [insert date]. This link will take you to a third-party site to apply managed by [insert partner name].
Program Partners
The program is funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership,
a federal-provincial-territorial-initiative.