Upcoming Opportunities - September 18, 2024

NEW?

1. Applications for Local Food Infrastructure Fund Opening Soon – The AAFC’s?Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF)?supports projects that will help improve community food security through the purchase and installation of infrastructure and equipment that will increase access to local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. There are different program components for small- and large-scale projects, with funding between $25K-$500K. Applications open on October 1 for small scale projects and January 13 for large scale projects.?
2. Food Banks Canada Seeking Vendors and Manufacturing Partners – Food Banks Canada has several partnership opportunities for vendors and manufacturers. Learn more about the projects and proposal deadlines in these YODL posts:?

• Seeking Vendors of Shelf-Stable Items for Emergency Food Packs ?

• Seeking Vendors of Shelf-Stable, Nutritious, Nut-free, Child-Friendly Products ?

• Seeking a Manufacturer to Produce and Package Single-Serving Dried Soup ?

• Seeking a Reusable Bag Vendor for National Program ?

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STILL ACTIVE?

These were in previous Upcoming Opportunities posts. We’ll continue to include them here until they are no longer active.?

1. Win Tickets to the Banff Venture Forum – CFIN has one free full pass and five discounted passes (30% off) for the Banff Venture Forum happening this October 23-24. Learn more here about how you can enter to win a free or discounted pass to this premiere event that connects innovators to leaders in venture capital and private equity. Deadline to enter is September 26.?
2. CFIN Innovation Scouting Fund – Canadian food manufacturers can leverage CFIN's Innovation Scouting Fund to pilot cutting-edge tech solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. The program covers 50% of pilot costs, up to $75,000, for eligible projects in areas like robotics, packaging, and AI. Only two spots remain!?
3. Product DNA Pilot Program – The Food Innovation and Research Studio (FIRSt) at George Brown College is introducing a pilot program to help F&B companies explore why a product is underperforming and put it on the path to improved market penetration. Successful applicants are expected to contribute 50% of total project costs. The expected package cost is $20,000, with a client contribution of $10,000. Deadline to apply is September 27.?
4. 2024 CIFST Awards Program Nominations Open – The Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology (CIFST) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Institute Awards, recognizing career excellence, outstanding leadership, and other contributions to the industry. Nominations for the Institute Awards may be submitted by individual CIFST members or regional Sections of CIFST. Nomination deadline is September 27.?
5. Venturepark Summit: From Shelf to Success Event – On October 22, 2024, in Toronto, learn from industry experts and founders about retail strategies and expanding distribution in the food, beverage, and packaged goods sectors. Hear Arlene Dickinson of Dragons' Den share her business insights, and network with key F&B players like Sobeys, Tree of Life Distributors, BMO, George Brown Food Innovation & Research Studio, and more. Tickets on sale now.?
6. Bioenterprise Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program (SGAP) Applications Open – Southern Ontario foodtech businesses can now apply for up to $100,000 in non-repayable funding to adopt clean technologies and enhance sustainability practices. Eligible projects include operational assessments, equipment acquisition, and more. Deadline to apply is October 30.?
7. Ontario Food Safety and Growth Initiative – Ontario agri-food businesses can now access up to $75,000 in funding to modernize their food safety systems and adopt new traceability technologies through this new initiative. Supported by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, up to $5 million is available to aid the growth of small agri-food businesses. Deadline to apply is December 1.?
8. CFIN Funding for Atlantic Canada Members – CFIN is still accepting applications for our funding program: Unpuzzling: Greening your Food Manufacturing Operation Program . Available for Atlantic Canada members only, successful applicants receive funding covering 70% of the costs of engaging a third-party consultant to help improve the sustainability—and profitability—of their businesses. Applications are ongoing.?
9. Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub Applications Open – The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub (GOAH) is now accepting applications from Ontario-based agri-food companies. GOAH offers 25 hours of customized mentorship, essential business resources, and professional support services to help innovative companies advance their solutions to market. Applications are ongoing.?
10. Funding for Sustainable Agri-Food Innovation – The AgriInnovate Program, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, offers repayable funding to support the commercialization and adoption of innovative agricultural technologies that enhance sector competitiveness and sustainability. Priorities include projects involving advanced manufacturing, automation, and robotics that benefit the broader agri-food ecosystem. Applications are open until March 31, 2028, or until funds are fully allocated.?