New Guide Launched to Help Ontario Food Start-Ups

 Guelph,Ontario –  The Agri-Food Management Institute (AMI) launched ‘A Food Entrepreneur’s Journey’ today, to help budding food manufacturers with practical step-by-step advice on how to build a thriving business from idea to commercialization.

“There are many opportunities in Ontario’s food industry, but it’s tough to break into and tougher to succeed,” said AMI Executive Director Ashley Honsberger. “To ease the process, we’re offering this free guide that’s full of tips on business planning, avoiding pitfalls and finding the resources that are available to assist entrepreneurs along the way.”

The guide takes the reader through all the activities that need to be performed in five basic stages: idea, proof of concept, product and business development, pre-commercial trials and sales, and finally commercial sales. 

Included are knowledge and experiences words of wisdom from product developers, chefs and other industry experts as well as owners who have already gone through the experience of starting up. Fran Kruz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Not Yer Granny’s Granola, in Barrie, described her process:

“This is not a linear model – at least not in my experience.  The process continues to be very organic, multi-directional, and in some cases, it’s one step forward and two steps to one side, three to the other side, one back and a leap forward… I guess you could call it a dance!”

A Food Entrepreneur’s Journey was also developed as a source of food industry information for advisory staff in federal, provincial, municipal and other organizations that help business start-ups across the province.