What's Happening in the Park ??
We are so ready for Spring! ????
Winter may not be over yet, but it has been an absolute blast for Venturepark Labs!
We hosted Demo Day cohort 16's first-ever in-person session and kicked off our Spring Concept to Market program. Our team has grown, our reach has expanded, and we're more focused than ever on supporting entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. But that's just the beginning!
In the coming months, we'll be announcing BIG news ?? ?about our new resources and programs, and how we're charting a course for the future of CPG in Canada.
So, stay tuned and if you or anyone you know is passionate about the food and wellness business, share this newsletter far and wide ??.
And remember, we’re just one click away if you want to connect with us. Cheers to growth and community! ??
Last Call on Accelerator Cohort 17! ???
Applications for our flagship Accelerator Program are open until February 28th! If you or anyone know is ready to scale up their business and achieve extraordinary growth, make sure to connect them with our Accelerator program today! ????
You will gain the following benefits:
???In-person sessions featuring industry experts from coast to coast.???Mentorship from seasoned CPG pros eager to share their insights. ???Knowledge to navigate and thrive in today's competitive business landscape.???Networking opportunities with distributors, retailers, and investors at our exclusive Demo Day.
???Build meaningful connections with a network of experts and fellow entrepreneurs.?
Looking for a prime production facility to elevate your food production?
Venturepark Labs' Food Incubator offers a 20,000-square-foot shared commercial kitchen and production space that caters to the specific needs of early-stage food businesses.
Whether you're launching a new packaged product or growing your existing catering business, we have a spot for you! ??
Our kitchen is conveniently located in North York with easily accessible public transit options nearby. With all the necessary amenities and support at your fingertips, our incubator could be just the right environment for your startup and flourish.
How can you find the perfect label for your products? There's a Park Guide for that! ??
Park Guide is everyone's go-to FREE resource packed with essential guides and insights for getting the perfect label for your products and many more!
Access our Park Guide collection now and unleash the growth potential of your CPG business!
With all the focus on tech, don’t forget to feed the businesses that feed us: Arlene Dickinson
CEO Arlene Dickinson spoke to BNN Bloomberg The Open on Feb 22, shedding light on overlooked investments in Canadian food, beverage, health, and wellness startups. Contrary to popular belief, these consumer-packaged goods sectors offer more stability than tech.
Dive into the full video to catch the pulse of industry investment trends!
Introducing the Park Person of the Month, Gilles Tchianga , Founder of Taltis Foods Inc. | African Food & Beverage
Gilles' journey with us began as a participant in our Concept to Market Sprint program in 2021 and as our incubator member. Since then, he has become an invaluable part of our community.
Over the past years, he has been a great supporter of entrepreneurs. He inspires others with his positive attitude and commitment to helping businesses succeed. He offers advice and speaks at events to share his expertise in the consumer packaged goods industry.
领英推荐
Gilles, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! Your passion for entrepreneurship and helping entrepreneurs is truly inspiring.
Congrats Caitlyn for winning 40 under 40!
Our Accelerator alumni,?Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe , President and CEO of?KidStar Nutrients , was honored as one of the Forty under 40 winners at Business Intelligence for BC (BIV News ). This prestigious annual award program celebrates excellence in business and community leadership, acknowledging those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to service, engagement, and volunteerism.
Fireside Chat with Arlene and Ryan Holmes at LOI Accelerator
Last week, Our CEO, Arlene Dickinson , was recently invited to participate in a Fireside Chat with Ryan Holmes (Founder of Hootsuite ), and Rob Ironside (Head of Programming and strategy at League of Innovators Startup Accelerator ) hosted by the League of Innovators Startup Accelerator .
The event was a huge success and focused on entrepreneurship, business strategies, and insights into starting a business in today's world.
We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it and can't wait for what's in store for the next one!
Demo Day Cohort 16 was a huge success!
We had an absolute blast hosting our first ever in-person demo day in Toronto!
It was an inspirational day filled with amazing people and remarkable entrepreneurs showcasing their products and stories to industry partners, leaders, sponsors, and guests.
Thank you cohort 16 for being inspirational:
Northern Wildflowers Inc. , Ouh Mami Foods , STAC(S) , Brite Water, Fungtional (previously Muskoka Mudita), Lost in the Sauce (LITS) , Brother Sprout , Salted, Laura Raes The Caramel Co. , Wild Root, Better Basics Milling, 32 Lakes Coffee Roasters , NEEVA, Wag & Bright Supply Co. , Hive Hero , and True Taste Cafe .
We are also grateful for our partners and guests who came and brought positive energy to the event. Our CEO, Arlene Dickinson , Sobeys , 满地可银行 , Tree of Life Canada , Torys LLP , Caddy, Longo's , Acosta , Healthy Planet , National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada , Grey Jay Sales, District Ventures Capital , and many more.
See you at the next one!
The Calgary Sessions with Jeff Humphreys and Graham Matheos ?? ?
Our Accelerator alumni from Cohort 15, Graham Matheos, founder of One for the Road Brewing, recently joined Jeff Humphreys for an in-depth conversation.
They delved into Graham’s journey from his roots in Saskatoon, his transition from physiotherapy to non-alcoholic craft brewing, and discussed challenges, entrepreneurship, community importance, and the nuances of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.