APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.
Applications for The Agri-Food Startup Program are now being accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026. This link will take you to a third-party site managed by a program partner to apply.
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.
Delivered 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.
This program is free of charge. While it does not include a financial grant, participants receive high value training, mentorship, tools, and access to a commercial kitchen to help them build and grow their food business.
The program runs over two years and includes two cohorts of 10 entrepreneurs each. Cohort 2 will run from June to December 2026.
What to Expect
The program will be delivered in a hybrid format, with online training modules and in-person access to commercial kitchen spaces. Cohort 2 will run from June to December 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. Through weekly sessions led by Foodpreneur Lab and program partners, areas of support include:
- Food product development
- Food safety
- Business planning
- Branding
- Market entry strategies
Access to Commercial Kitchen Spaces
Participants receive:
- $2,000 in credits to book commercial-grade kitchens through the Syzl platform with guided in-kitchen sessions
- 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 with plans to launch or scale within 6 months
- Be in the pre-revenue or early-revenue stage (less than $25,000 annual sales)
- Commit to completing the full self-paced 26-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.
Applications for The Agri-Food Startup Program are now being accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026. This link will take you to a third-party site managed by a program partner to apply.
Cohort 2 Program Schedule
Application Period: May 4 to May 25, 2026
Information Session: May 13, 2026 | REGISTER NOW – COMING SOON
- Learn more about the York Region Startup Agri-Food Program, meet the partners, and ask questions
Program Period: June 16 to December 18, 2026
Participants can expect:
- 1 to 2 scheduled activities per week, such as workshops or mentorship sessions
- $2,000 in credits to book commercial kitchen spaces with guided in-kitchen sessions to test and prepare your products (credits must be used by March 31, 2027)
- Outside of these scheduled sessions, you’ll be working on building and running your business
Showcase Event: TBD
- Celebrate your progress and debut your food product to potential customers!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in York Region to apply?
No, but preference is given to applicants who live in York Region, including the Chippewas of Georgina Island.
Can I apply if I have a full-time job or if I’m in school?
Yes. Many participants balance work, school, or family responsibilities while completing the program. However, you must be able to commit 4–8 hours per week for the full 26 week duration, including attending scheduled sessions, and completing the online modules and booking the commercial kitchen space.
What kind of food businesses are eligible?
Eligible applicants must have:
- A food product concept or early‑stage product
- Plans to launch or scale their product within six months
- Product is pre-revenue or early-revenue sales (under $25,000 annually)
This includes packaged goods, beverages, baked items, condiments, snacks, and more.
Do I need a finished product before applying?
No. You only need a clear concept or an early prototype. The program will help you refine, test, and prepare your product for launch.
How do the kitchen credits work?
You’ll receive $2,000 in credits to book commercial kitchens through the Syzl platform.
Credits can be used for:
- Product testing
- Small‑batch production
- Recipe development
- Guided in-kitchen sessions
All credits must be used by March 31, 2027. To view a list of commercial kitchen spaces you can book, visit: syzl.io/kitchen-marketplace
Does the program include a financial grant?
The Agri Food Start Up Program does not include a financial grant. However, participants may be eligible to apply separately to the Starter Company Plus program offered through the York Small Business Enterprise Centre.
Is the program online or in person?
The program is delivered in a hybrid format:
- Online learning modules
- Virtual and in-person workshops
- In-person access to commercial kitchens
Program Partners
The program is funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership,
a federal-provincial-territorial-initiative.