What's Happening in the Park ??
The Park steps up to bat, swinging for success in May! ??
We started the month with some powerful swings during Sobeys ’ Local Learning Series, knocking it out of the park with insights into entrepreneurial success. Meanwhile, Cohort 17 of our Accelerator program stepped up to the plate, hitting home runs with their innovative business pitches.
In the dugout, our Spring Concept to Market Sprint program is firing on all cylinders, igniting creativity and innovation among participants. And amidst the action, we took a timeout to celebrate Mother's Day, giving a shoutout to all the MVP moms out there. Plus, we've added a new player to the Venturepark Labs team.
Don't miss a pitch! Keep your eye on the ball and scroll down to catch all the action this month.
Cohort 18 of our Accelerator program is eagerly awaiting your application!
Step into our Accelerator program and unlock a world of endless possibilities. Here are five compelling reasons to join:
?? Unmatched Mentorship: Tap into unparalleled guidance from industry veterans and seasoned entrepreneurs. Our mentors are here to champion your growth at every turn.
?? Access to Vital Resources: From suppliers and distributors to legal counsel, we provide all the essential tools for your startup's prosperity. Our expansive network ensures access to premium services and facilities.
?? Community & Networking: Immerse yourself in a dynamic community of like-minded peers. Forge valuable connections with fellow founders, investors, and industry luminaries for invaluable insights and collaborative opportunities.
?? Tailored Support: Recognizing that every startup is unique, our program offers tailored support to address your specific needs. We'll work hand-in-hand to craft a roadmap tailored to your success.
?? Demo Day & Investor Exposure: Shine the spotlight on your startup at our exclusive Demo Day event. Showcase your vision to eager investors and unlock potential funding opportunities to propel your growth.
Ready to join the ranks of Cohort 18? Let's fast-track your startup's journey to success together!
Capital Conundrum: Navigating the Landscape of Investor Funding ??
On May 1, we launched into the month with an hour-long exclusive session, hosted in collaboration with our sponsor, Sobeys, as part of their Local Learning Series. Led by our Board Director, Mike McNeil , and our Executive in Residence, Rob Horricks , we embarked on a deep exploration of the intricate world of investor funding alongside fellow entrepreneurs and industry partners.
The session offered a rich examination of various funding options, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with each approach. Participants walked away with invaluable insights and actionable strategies for navigating the complex landscape of capital acquisition.
If you weren't able to attend the session but are eager to learn more about accessing funding and gain insights on all facets of launching a business, be sure to check out our FREE Park Guides! ??
Cohort 17 wowed the Sobeys team with their inspiring stories and product pitches
Shortly after our Sobeys Local Learning Series, we were delighted to co-host an exhilarating Look for Local session with Sobeys on May 3rd. Here, the talented founders from Cohort 17 of our Accelerator program had the incredible opportunity to present their brands to the discerning Sobeys team, all vying for coveted spots on grocery store shelves across Canada.
A big thank you goes out to our sponsor, Sobeys, for making this invaluable opportunity possible for our aspiring entrepreneurs.
Let's take a peek at the impressive roster from Cohort 17:
?? Friceys
?? Rebound
?? KFS Rx Meals
?? Salted Co.
?? SETA
If you're eager to explore similar opportunities to expand your brand's reach, consider joining us for Cohort 18 of our Accelerator program.
Trailblazers’ Tails: Insight from CPG Founders Who’ve Been There
On May 10th, our community had the privilege of hosting yet another enriching session as part of the Sobeys Local Learner Series. The event served as a platform for several founders within our ecosystem to share their unique entrepreneurial journeys.
Guiding the discussion were Cheryl Zealand , the visionary force driving Cranked Energy Bars , Andrew A. , the mastermind behind Flourish Pancakes , and Sachi Kittur , the innovative thinker propelling Sachili forward. Together, they led a captivating question and answer session, offering attendees an exclusive peek into the trials, triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.
Entrepreneurs and industry veterans alike immersed themselves in an array of topics, ranging from effective distribution tactics to the intricate nuances of rebranding and packaging strategies.
Here's to the continued growth and success of all aspiring entrepreneurs within our community!
Suzie Yorke : May's Park Person of the Month and Founder of The Better Chocolate and Love Good Fats ??
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You may already know of Suzie Yorke, a long-standing member of the Venturepark Labs community. In recognition of her unwavering support for Canadian entrepreneurs, we proudly announce her as our Park Person of the Month for May.
Suzie first joined our ranks during Cohort 4 of the Accelerator program, introducing her venture Suzie’s Good Fats Company, now renowned as the award-winning Love Good Fats. Following her remarkable success with Love Good Fats, she's now pouring her expertise into her latest endeavour, The Better Chocolate.
But Suzie's accomplishments don’t stop there – she's also serves as a CMO and Board member, AND boasts an incredible 11 Ironman finishes! ????♀?
A true force in the realm of Canadian entrepreneurship, Suzie continues to inspire us all with her remarkable accomplishments.
Our recent conversation with Suzie Yorke was packed with insights. She recounted a pivotal moment in her journey that prompted her to start her company. Her perspective on nutrition shifted when she read "The Big Fat Surprise", which revealed the value of healthy fats. Her new-found knowledge sparked the idea for a brand that would redefine the market's perception of fats and capitalize on a massive trend.
Suzie shared valuable lessons from launching a brand leading a trend and experiencing rapid growth. With her new venture, The Better Chocolate, she opts for a more measured approach, focusing on sustainable growth and a solid foundation.
She sees her journey with Love Good Fats as a testament to perseverance and vision. The impressive growth the company has achieved within just 36 months is a huge milestone, and a moment in her entrepreneurial journey she is most proud of. This success motivates and inspires others to this day.
Over the years Suzie has provided support to many entrepreneurs because for her it's the "right thing to do". Here is some advice Suzie kindly shared with us:
"We need?to have?an environment where start-ups have access to funding, expertise, lower barriers to entry and lower fees… All these things add up; it takes a whole village and a combination of factors from the government to the industries, funding, angel investors, and expertise. We all need to work together to foster start-ups." said Suzie.
Our ranks have grown! ??
Introducing Lucy Shields , the newest addition to our Venturepark Labs team! ??
Bringing a wealth of experience in food manufacturing, Lucy joins us as our Resource Coordinator. In 2020, she played a pivotal role in establishing a plant-based protein manufacturing company in Alberta, showcasing her expertise in building essential programs for operational success.
With her passion for fostering innovation and her dynamic energy, Lucy is poised to propel Venturepark Labs to greater heights.
Join us in extending a warm welcome to her! ??
?? Exciting news came from the 2024 Business Excellence Awards!
Katie Young , the mastermind behind Klondike Kettle Corn , and an alumni from Cohort 15 of our Accelerator program, has been named Business Leader of the Year! ??
Join us in celebrating Katie's well-deserved recognition!
The Dragons are back in the Den ??
Guess who's back? Our very own Dragon and the visionary behind Venturepark's thriving business growth ecosystem, Arlene Dickinson , returns to the set of CBC 's Dragons’ Den for the filming of Season 19!
Excitement is brewing for the upcoming season! Will you be tuning in?
?? May is all about moms ??
As we embrace the beauty of spring, we're taking a moment to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the phenomenal mompreneurs within our ecosystem. These inspiring women gracefully navigate the intricate balance between running successful businesses and nurturing their families. It's a constant juggling act, from early morning meetings to late-night cuddles, but they tackle each challenge with unwavering determination and boundless love.
Today, we raise our voices in appreciation for the amazing moms who pour their hearts and souls into their ventures. Let's give a round of applause to just a few of the moms in our community and the driving forces behind Torills Table , Drizzle , Genuine Tea Co. , Chickapea , Elate Cosmetics , Riley’s Kitchen , True Taste Cafe , and Better Basics Milling . Your dedication, resilience, and ability to balance it all inspire us beyond measure.
So here's to you, super moms! ??
From cash crunch to cash splash! ??
For consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, mastering the art of financing is crucial for success. It's all about diving into different options, understanding the risks, and reaping the rewards.
That's where our Financing 101 Park Guide swoops in to save the day! This treasure trove of financial wisdom is tailor-made for CPG entrepreneurs, packed with insights to navigate the maze of financing options.
From traditional bank loans to the wild world of venture capital and crowdfunding, our FREE guide has got your back, ensuring you make savvy decisions every step of the way.
?? The Business Development Bank of Canada reveals mental health trends among Canadian entrepreneurs
Katie Young, Founder of Klondike Kettle Corn, on The Startup Canada Podcast
Katie, a member of Cohort 15 of our Accelerator program, recently had the opportunity to join Rick Spence on The Startup Canada Podcast. During this engaging discussion, Katie shared pivotal moments from her entrepreneurial journey.