November 22, 2022
Saskatoon, SK - in September, ten women-owned food processing companies from across the prairie provinces competed for $5,000 cash and the opportunity for shelf space in SaskMade Marketplace as a part of a food business accelerator. An Alberta food company, Goodness Bombs, took home the prize after participating in a live pitch event at the AWESOME Conference.
The pitch competition marked the grand conclusion of a 10-week sales development curriculum called the AWESOME Accelerator, a niche and competitive program developed and led by the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. This cohort was the first time the pitch competition occurred live and in person.
"It was such an honour to be a part of the Awesome Accelerator Program. The connections we made with other like minded female entrepreneurs, industry experts, and other industry related businesses has helped us incredibly in our growth process." Said Jodie Tetz, Founder of Goodness Bombs. "With the knowledge and resources gained through this program, we can confidently move forward in all areas of our business and grow our business into everything we know it can be. We are forever grateful for this amazing opportunity."
The virtual experience provided ten high-potential agri-food companies with advanced manufacturing knowledge, exclusive mentors, and a Canada-wide peer connection. These companies, headquartered in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have ambitious growth plans in strategic domestic and international markets. This cohort was presented by FCC, the only lender 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food.
"Cohort four graduates are representative of the great potential women have in the agri-value sector in the Canadian Prairies," said Mehmet Tulbek, President of the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. "We are proud to have worked with these Prairie-Canadian founders. We look forward to following their businesses flourish in the future".
The Food Centre provides technical services to domestic and international food processing companies.
Congratulations to these women-owned food processing companies for participating in our AWESOME Accelerator.
Ally’s Cake Creeations
Ariya Burmese Foods
Daddy C’s Jerk Sauce
Goodness Bombs
Grassland Gluten Free Baking
Onie Granola and Jam
Renouf Farms
Rosalys Food Service
Spiro’s
The AWESOME Accelerator will begin actively seeking applications in January for its fifth cohort, slated to run online from March to May 2023. Stay tuned to to be the first to know when applications open.
The AWESOME program provides business development services to Canadian women in food processing. AWESOME is supported by the Government of Canada (Western Economic Diversification) through the Women's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund.
Watch the cohort 4 pitch videos .
To learn more, contact:
Carly Beckman, AWESOME Program Coordinator,
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
June 1, 2022
Saskatoon, SK - in May, nine women-owned food processing companies from across the prairie provinces competed for $5,000 cash as a part of a food business accelerator. An Alberta food company, Preserved Foods Boutique, took home the prize.
The competition marked the grand conclusion of a 10-week sales development curriculum called the AWESOME Accelerator, a niche and competitive Program developed and led by the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre.
“The Awesome Accelerator program provides a really great network! Between being able to troubleshoot with my peers or making connections with leaders in industries such as logistics, finance & sustainable packaging, I felt supported in making thoughtful steps to help grow my business.” Said Vanessa Rundell, Founder of Preserved Foods Boutique. “The lesson topics were well presented, easy to follow but thoughtful enough that I will be able to look back at them in a few years and level up my business again. I am so proud to be a part of this network and am excited to see it grow too!”
The virtual experience provided nine high-potential agri-food companies with advanced manufacturing knowledge, exclusive mentors, and Canada-wide peer connection. These companies, headquartered in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have ambitious growth plans in strategic domestic and international markets. This cohort was presented by FCC, the only lender 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food.
"Cohort three graduates are representative of the great potential of women in the agri-value sector in the Canadian Prairies," said Mehmet Tulbek, President of the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. "We are honored to have worked with these nine Prairie-Canadian founders. We look forward to following their future success".
The Food Centre provides technical services to domestic and international food processing companies.
Congratulations to these women-owned food processing companies for participating in our AWESOME Accelerator.
Avila Arepa
Bee Raw Real & Raw Foods
Confetti Sweets
Drinkme Beverage Company
Preserved Foods Boutique
Pueblo Chili Co.
True Potential Health Services Inc
The AWESOME Accelerator will begin actively seeking applications in July for its fourth cohort, slated to run online from September to November 2022. Founders can apply now by visiting www.beawesome.ca/accelerator.
The AWESOME Program provides business development services to Canadian women in food processing. AWESOME is supported by the Government of Canada (Western Economic Diversification) through the Women's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund.
Watch the cohort 3 pitch videos .
To learn more, contact:
Shenuka Wickramasinghe, AWESOME Program Manager
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
December 20, 2021
THE FOOD CENTRE CELEBRATES 10 WOMEN IN PRAIRIE CANADIAN FOOD & BEVERGE MANUFACTURING
Saskatoon SK – The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre’s AWESOME Program, congratulates the 2021 AWESOME Achievement Award Recipients. The Achievement Awards recognizes and celebrates women-owned businesses in food and manufacturing in the Canadian Prairies. This year, 10 women received the award:
Colleen Haussecker Splendor Garden
Cheryl Zealand Cranked Energy
Ebtsam Elsheikh Nile River Foods
Hailey Jefferies Prairie Fava
Johwanna Alleyne Mojo Jojo Pickles
Kellie Wahl Alternate Route Coffee
Leanne Kisil Solbru
Paula Bellavance Basic Roots
Pina Romolo Piccola Cucina
Yvonne Irnich T-Rex Distillery and Da Vinci Gelato
The AWESOME Awards selects founders who demonstrate business excellence for all food and beverage manufacturing founders in Canada. The representation of women in business and particularly agrifood is necessary. The AWESOME AWARD recipients are examples of women who share their abilities and resources in our region. Every day, the recipients contribute to not only Canada agrifood sector, but to breaking barriers for aspiring business women and girls everywhere.
The team at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre is delighted to witness the ongoing, exceptional success of these businesses. The food and beverage sector is uniquely challenging and complex. Founders need so much talent, perseverance and resourcefulness to create employment opportunities and serve the market. The Food Centre is proud to work with these founders.
To capture the moment in time, the AWESOME program will be releasing audio recordings featuring each founder speaking on her story, successes and journey. The recordings will be available on the Food Centre’s YouTube page.
The Food Centre provides expertise and technical services to domestic and international food processing companies. AWESOME provides women-owned food and beverage manufacturing companies with business development support. AWESOME is supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada.
For more information contact:
Shenuka Wickramasinghe, AWESOME Program Manager
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.
p: | e: [email protected]
www.beawesome.ca | www.foodcentre.sk.ca
November 25, 2021
FOOD ACCELERATOR FOR WOMEN AWARDS BORDERTOWN MILLING $
Saskatoon, SK - Last week, 14 women-owned food processing companies from across the Prairie Provinces competed for $5,000 cash as a part of a food business accelerator. A Saskatchewan flour company, Bordertown Milling took home the grand prize for the uniqueness of their milling process to produce a fine texture and versatile packaging. Alberta-based companies Nutrimeals and The Chai Wallahs placed second and third, respectively.
The competition marked the grand conclusion of a 10-week sales development curriculum, called the AWESOME Accelerator, a niche and competitive program developed and led by the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. The virtual experience provides high potential agri-food companies with advanced manufacturing knowledge, exclusive mentors, Canada-wide peer connections to the food and beverage manufacturing industry. These companies, headquartered in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have ambitious plans to grow in strategic domestic and international markets. This cohort was presented by FCC, the only lender 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food.
"Joining the Accelerator provided an opportunity to focus on growing my business fast.” said Christine Friesen, Founder of Bordertown Milling. “The connections and lessons were specific to food and manufacturing, which is helpful and hard to find. I’m so grateful to have met the other founders. The program inspired me and I am motivated to keep going!”
The second place prize, $2000 cash sponsored by PIC Investment Group, was awarded to Nutrimeals, a ready-to-eat meal company based in Calgary, Alberta. The Chai Wallahs, a chai concentrate from in Red Deer, Alberta, took home the third place prize - a $1500 certificate to a business service provider of their choice.
“Cohort Two raised the standard for food manufacturing businesses in Canada. The women who graduated from the program are unique, bold and talented” said Dan Prefontaine, President of the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. “We are honored to have worked with the 14 founders and help grow their networks and knowledge in food and beverage manufacturing.
The Food Centre provides expertise and technical services to domestic and international food processing companies. AWESOME provides women-owned food and beverage manufacturing companies with business development support. AWESOME is supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada.
For more information contact:
Shenuka Wickramasinghe, AWESOME Program Manager
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.
p: | e: [email protected]
www.beawesome.ca | www.foodcentre.sk.ca
October 1, 2021
THE FOOD CENTRE ANNOUNCES EXPORT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN AGRI-BUSINESS.
The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. (Food Centre), through its AWESOME program, is pleased to announce the AWESOME Export Initiative. Sponsored by BDC, this initiative features a 5-week educational course for women-led food processing businesses who want to find international opportunities.
Participants will explore a variety of countries, developed from a list of Canada’s top food export trading partners, to find strategic markets. The course will also provide resources and support for integrating export strategies into domestically successful operations. At the end of the 5-week program, participants will have knowledge of global trade agreements, international consumer behaviour and a plan of action to enter the market(s) of their choice. The program is also working on developing a roster of public and private service providers who share the goal of supporting women entrepreneurs in Canadian agri-value businesses.
Applications are now open and up to 15 businesses will be selected for the January cohort, with subsequent cohorts taking place in May, August and October of 2022. Women who own established food processing companies with consistent domestic sales are encouraged to apply at https://www.beawesome.ca/exportinitiative.
The Canadian food and beverage processing sector is among the most sophisticated in the world. Canada’s food exports totaled C$29 billion in 2019, making Canada the fifth largest global exporter of processed food and beverage products.
As the global demand for quality, functional and sustainable food and beverage expands, the opportunity increases for women-owned food processors to seize international sales.
“The opportunities in the international food sector for an emerging entrepreneur require significant planning and a phased approach. Founders need to learn how to explore international market opportunities as well as develop complex logistical plans. AWESOME’s Export Initiative focuses on products that have domestic success in Canada and entrepreneurs who are ready to access a new stream of sales.” Says Dan Prefontaine, President of the Food Centre. “By working through individualized issues together with BDC, we can improve our entrepreneur's chances of long-term international market success.”
BDC is the financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. BDC works to create and develop strong Canadian businesses through financing, advisory services and capital, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
The AWESOME program is a result of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund. In 2018, the Government of Canada prioritized strengthening capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and closing gaps in service for women entrepreneurs. Along with the strong, sustainable, global opportunities that are present in the agri-food sector, women in food processing are ready to fast-track their national business growth.
The Food Centre is a non-profit organization offering full-service assistance to food processors looking to add value to their products for domestic and/or international markets. The Food Centre is a market leader in food processing, innovative food and ingredient development, extrusion technology, and industry training.
For more information contact:
Shenuka Wickramasinghe, AWESOME Program Manager
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.
p: | e: [email protected]
www.beawesome.ca | www.foodcentre.sk.ca
JULY 20, 2021
THE SASKATCHEWAN FOOD CENTRE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH LMNO CONSULTING TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN AGRI-BUSINESS.
The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre and LMNO Consulting have partnered to launch an innovative mentorship opportunity for Canadian women in agri-business. The mentorship opportunity is part of the Food Centre’s AWESOME Program, designed to exclusively support women in food processing. LMNO’s in-kind donation of 40 hours of consulting will directly support 10 women owned businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba.
Ten businesses received this mentor opportunity as a component of their participation in the AWESOME Sales Accelerator, which provides a select group of companies with domestic sales expansion education. The First Cohort ran from March to May 2021 and was comprised of Atare Foods, Amanda Lynn Gluten Free, Living Sky Farms, Moe Myanmar Foods; Prairie Bee Meadery; Prairie Soul Smoothie Co; Parkerview Brews Kombucha; Remarkaball; Three Foragers Bee Co and Wildfolk Beverages. Parkerview Brews Kombucha (Saskatchewan) ultimately won the $5000 pitch prize.
Through their time in the Accelerator, the companies engaged in group and one-on-one growth and expansion support from the Food Centre. Upon graduating from the curriculum, each company received a committee of three mentors, comprised of an advisor from LMNO, plus 2 other organizations. Each committee is slated to provide customized support until December 2021.
”Having LMNO join our vision creates a dynamic partnership. Said Dan Prefontaine, Food Centre President. “Food and beverage processors who identify as women experience unique marketing challenges and opportunities. We are grateful and excited to collaborate with LMNO and all of the mentors from various organizations. Each one of our accelerator participants will find focused solutions, community and paths to profit.”
LMNO Consulting Chief Growth Officer, Blair French said “The LMNO team is excited and honoured to be part of this initiative. We believe in the spirit of entrepreneurship and understand that the food processing industry has unique marketing and growth challenges. We support the profitable expansion of talented, creative and savvy women entrepreneurs.”
Other esteemed mentors in the First Cohort include individuals from Avena Foods; Creative Destruction Lab; Export Navigator; Lovingly Made Ingredients; Protein Powered Farms; Protein Industries Canada; Smak Dab Gourmet Mustards; Nail the Numbers and 7shifts Restaurant Scheduling.
The AWESOME Accelerator is actively seeing applications for its second cohort, slated to run online from September to November 2021. Women who own food processing companies in Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba are encourage to apply now by visiting www.beawesome.ca/accelerator.
AWESOME is supported by the Government of Canada (Western Economic Diversification) through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund.
For more information contact:
Shenuka Wickramasinghe, AWESOME Program Manager
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.
p: | e: [email protected]
www.beawesome.ca | www.foodcentre.sk.ca
May 20, 2021
FOOD ACCELERATOR FOR WOMEN AWARDS PARKERVIEW BREWS KOMBUCHA $
Saskatoon, SK - Last week, 10 women-owned food processing companies from across the prairie provinces competed for $5,000 cash as a part of a new food business accelerator. A Saskatchewan beverage company, Parkerview Brews Kombucha, took home the prize.
The competition marked the grand conclusion of a 10-week sales development curriculum, called the AWESOME Accelerator, a pilot project developed and led by the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre.
The virtual experience provided 10 high potential agri-food companies with advanced manufacturing knowledge, exclusive mentors, Canada-wide peer connection. These companies, headquartered in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have ambitious plans to grow in strategic domestic and international markets.
"Participating in the Accelerator started a snowball of actions for me,” said Amy Kaban, Founder of Parkerview Brews Kombucha. “The advice and feedback given was worth more than any prize. I am thankful to be part of this group as the entire cohort is inspiring, hard working, and continues to achieve unique dreams. Being an entrepreneur is easier when you have a community like this to lean on".
The runner up for the grand prize was Three Foragers Bee Co, with their Honey Caramels candy line.
"The businesses who graduated from the AWESOME Accelerator are representative of the potential of women in leadership combined with agri-value opportunities in the Canadian Prairies,” said Dan Prefontaine, President of the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. “We could not be prouder to have worked with these 10 Prairie-Canadian businesses and their founders. We look forward to following their stories".
The Food Centre provides technical services to domestic and international food processing companies.
Congratulations to these women-owned food processing companies for participating in the first AWESOME Accelerator.
Amanda Lynn Gluten Free
Little Mighty Beverage Co
Living Sky Farms
Moe Myanmar Foods
Parkerview Brews Kombucha
Prairie Bee Meadery
Prairie Soul Smoothie Co
RemarkaBall
Three Foragers Bee Co
The AWESOME Accelerator will begin actively seeking applications in August for its second cohort, slated to run online from September to November 2021. Founders can apply now by visiting www.beawesome.ca/accelerator. The AWESOME Program provides business development services to Canadian women in food processing. AWESOME is supported by the Government of Canada (Western Economic Diversification) through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund.
To learn more, contact:
Shenuka Wickramasinghe, AWESOME Program Manager
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
[email protected]
www.beawesome.ca
February 11, 2021
Accelerator designed to help increase sales for women-led food processing businesses.
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. (Food Centre), through its AWESOME program, announced its first virtual Accelerator designed to help increase sales for women-led food processing businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Applications are now open and up to 12 businesses will be selected for the March cohort. The next intake is scheduled for August 2021. The Accelerator intends to provide interactive group development sessions, professional support from experts and additional guidance from influential industry leaders.
Participants of the Accelerator will be early-stage companies who will have access to a mix of distribution and sales pathways. At the end of the 10-week program, graduates will have opportunities to pitch their product in simulated and real sales scenarios. The program is also working on developing a roster of public and private service providers who share the goal of supporting women entrepreneurs in Canadian agri-value businesses.
The AWESOME program is a result of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy EcoSystem Fund. In 2018, the Government of Canada prioritized strengthening capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and closing gaps in service for women entrepreneurs. Along with the strong, sustainable, global opportunities that are present in the agri-food sector, women in food processing are ready to fast-track their national business growth.
“The opportunities in the food sector for an emerging entrepreneur are subtle and complex. Businesses need to be comfortable pitching and securing Canada-wide opportunities. AWESOME’s Accelerator focuses on high-potential product concepts and entrepreneurs who are ready to reach a new level of sales.” Says Dan Prefontaine, President of the Food Centre. “By working through individualized issues together with industry experts, we can improve our entrepreneurs' chances of long-term market success.”
The Food Centre is a non-profit organization offering full-service assistance to food processors looking to add value to their products for domestic and/or international markets. The Food Centre is a market leader in food processing, innovative food and ingredient development, extrusion technology, and industry training.
A separate part of AWESOME’s niche entrepreneur support is improving the export capacities of established women-led food processors. By developing programs for provincial, national and international capacities, businesses have the support to transition and grow continuously.
Contact: Carmen Ly, Communications Director
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
[email protected]
www.foodcentre.sk.ca
Shenuka Wickramasinghe, AWESOME Program Manager
Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
[email protected]
www.beawesome.ca
