Programs

The kids entrepreneurship business start-up program is to support youth to start their own business or expand their existing venture with the help of a micro-grant. This program will offer youth age 8 to 14 a small micro-grant of up to $500 to assist with start-up costs to launch or grow their businesses.

Learn more about the Kids Entrepreneurship Program

The Summer Company program, funded by the Government of Ontario, is for youth interested in starting their own summer business. Students must be returning to full time school (high school or post-secondary) and between the ages of 15 to 29.

The Summer Company program offers business planning, mentoring, skill development, networking and a micro grant of up to $3,000.

Learn more about the Summer Company Program

She Owns It is offers business support and training initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs through coaching, mentorship, and meaningful connections through hands on workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and conferences (November).

Whether you’re just starting out or growing your business, She Owns It offers the tools, guidance, and community to help you move forward with confidence.

Learn more about She Owns It

The Starter Company Growth Program is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Northumberland County looking to start a business, or has been in operation 6 months+.  Offering businesses growth development, training, advice, and mentoring. Eligible approved applicants could receive a grant of up to $3,000. Completion of business growth training is mandatory to receive grant funds.

Learn more about the Starter Company Growth Program

The Faster Forward Business Success Coaching Program is a program focused on enabling businesses to “scale up” to a greater level of success by working with experienced business experts from a great variety of fields. This program is for existing business owners who are seeking continued growth and are active in business development. This program connects you and your business with the career-long knowledge and experience of over 20 volunteer coaches who are keen to serve as your advisors. They’ll freely share their expertise with you. If you need guidance in a certain area, the program offers the right person who can assist.

Program criteria

• Typically in business 6 months +
• Ongoing, regular sales (approximate average $40,000 in yearly sales)

• Proven business concept operating full time

• Owner is self-motivated

• Based in Northumberland County

Some exceptions may apply at discretion of Program Coordinator.

Learn more about the Faster Forward Business Success Program: Coaching

Designed specifically for business owners that make or produce food or beverage as consumer-packaged goods as wholesale distribution model. The program will bring together owners so that they can share ideas, strategize, share best practices, and learn from each other.  The program offers education opportunities, guest speakers, coaching, B2B collaborations and business development.

Program criteria

• Based in Northumberland including Northumberland Clients of the OAFVC
• Independent Food/Beverage
  • Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturer or Producer
  • Not solely a retailer, provides goods by wholesale distribution
• Typically, in business 1+ years
• Minimum average $50,000+ in sales
• Goal to expand or continue expanding (regionally, provincially, nationally, globally)
• Proven business modelLearn more about the Food & Beverage Development Group