What's Happening in the Park ??
Summer’s Winding Down, But We’re Getting Ready for a Busy Fall ??
As the long days of summer start to fade, we're gearing up for an action-packed fall season here at Venturepark .
We’re excited to announce the upcoming Venturepark Summit, From Shelf to Success, an exclusive one-day event on October 22, 2024, in Toronto, made possible through our partnership with Sobeys . This event is designed specifically for early-stage consumer packaged goods (CPG) entrepreneurs and their teams.
This experience offers a unique opportunity for brand owners to gain invaluable insights from Venturepark founder and CBC Dragons’ Den star Arlene Dickinson , alongside leading CPG founders and industry experts. You’ll enjoy networking opportunities, latest trends and access to resources that will give your brand the edge!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with CPG founders and build your industry network.
Navigating the Consumer Packaged Goods Landscape To Win
This one-day event offers a unique chance to connect with industry leaders, build valuable relationships with peers, and tap into essential resources to propel your brand from shelf to success. Highlights include a keynote session and founders’ panel with Canadian business icon, Arlene Dickinson. Arlene will share her expertise on overcoming the scale-up challenges that emerging CPG brands face, making her insights a cornerstone of the event.
Throughout the day, attendees can join sessions led by influential CPG founders, experts, and thought leaders to get the edge?on topics like retail strategies, consumer trends, and expanding distribution. Plus, the afternoon networking hall will connect founders with over 25 CPG product and service providers, offering support in product development, distribution, sourcing, business support, marketing and more.
Thanks to our collaboration with our sponsors, this Summit is set to provide invaluable guidance to the next generation of CPG entrepreneurs. Registration is now open — spots are limited, so secure yours today. Stay tuned at VentureparkLabs.ca for more information on what to expect for this exciting day.
This August, we honored National Black Business Month by celebrating the remarkable Black-owned businesses within our community, including the inspiring journey of Opal Rowe , founder of Stush Patties , and other visionary entrepreneurs. Their unique products and stories shine brightly, enriching the diverse tapestry of our ecosystem.
We invite you to explore and support these incredible businesses, whose contributions not only elevate our community but also highlight the rich cultural heritage and innovation that define our vibrant ecosystem.
One of our standout Incubator Kitchen members is Lola, the founder of It’s Souper. Lola’s journey from IT Consultant to culinary entrepreneur is a testament to her passion for sharing the vibrant flavours of her Nigerian heritage. After earning her degree at the University of Winnipeg and establishing a successful career in Toronto, Lola’s homemade Nigerian dishes at work potlucks sparked the idea for It’s Souper.
Frustrated by the lack of flavourful, ready-to-eat soups, Lola launched It’s Souper to offer Afro-Fusion Gourmet Soups and Sauces that celebrate both the cultural diversity of Canada and authentic African tastes. Her brand transforms soup into a nourishing and exciting meal, bringing the bold flavours of Africa to Canadian kitchens.
We also celebrate Manba, co-founded by Stanley, a member of Cohort 3. Inspired by a trip to Haiti, Stanley and his partner Jason Delis brought Haitian peanut butter, known as manba, to Canada.
Manba is a unique blend of roasted peanuts and Scotch Bonnet peppers, offering a deliciously spicy and addictive experience. The duo noticed a lack of this Haitian delicacy in Montreal and launched their version of manba in 2015, bringing the authentic taste of Haiti to Canadian consumers.
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Spring into action! Apply for our Accelerator Program ??
Thank you to everyone who applied for our Fall 2024 Accelerator cohort! The application window officially closed on August 31, and we’re eager to welcome the next wave of innovative founders.
If you missed out, there’s no need to wait — applications for our Spring 2025 Accelerator cohort are now open! This is your opportunity to join a vibrant community of CPG entrepreneurs, gain valuable mentorship, and access the tools you need to elevate your brand.
Get started on your application today, and take the first step toward making your vision a reality this spring!
Opal Rowe : August's Park Person of the Month and Founder of Stush Patties
This August, in honour of National Black Business Month, we’re celebrating Opal Rowe, founder of Stush Patties and a beloved member of our Incubator Kitchen, as our Park Person of the Month.
Opal’s story began with a simple craving. After a long day at work, she yearned for quick comfort food — a wholesome Jamaican patty that she could enjoy with a glass of wine. Despite the abundance of patties in Toronto, none met her high standards. Frustrated by her search, Opal’s passion drove her to create Stush Patties, a brand that would fill the gap she identified.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Opal has always been deeply connected to food. Her travels and experiences living in two other countries before settling in Toronto have enriched her culinary perspective. Known by her friends as a true foodie, Opal loves exploring diverse cuisines, but Jamaican patties have always held a special place in her heart.
Despite having no baking experience, Opal took on the challenge of learning to make patties herself. She founded Stush Patties with the vision of making these beloved Jamaican treats as accessible to Canadians as pizza. The name "Stush" means "proper," and true to its name, Stush Patties are made with quality ingredients, generous fillings, and are packed with flavour.
Before launching Stush Patties, Opal successfully operated a home care company, Nowhere Like Home, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and determination. Her transition from healthcare to the culinary world underscores her passion for bringing joy through food.
Mel Divers, founder of Moonshine Mama’s, talks about putting summer in a bottle on this episode of This Commerce Life.