FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONDON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
AUGUST 7, 2015
LONDON – The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) in partnership with the Small Business Centre (SBC) will launch multi-phase food and beverage programming to support entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector.
London has a rich history in food and beverage success, and is increasingly being recognized as one of North America’s prominent hubs for food and beverage with many global companies establishing manufacturing facilities in London.
This collaboration between the city’s economic development partners and the private sector builds on the recently announced 14,000 square foot food incubator located at 630 Dundas Street in the Old East Village. Programing will roll out in the fall of 2015, featuring a series of workshops and seminars targeted towards entrepreneurs looking to start their own food and beverage business. These workshops will provide expertise to help understand the unique challenges of starting a food business, including regulatory requirements, branding, engineering and technology.
To provide mentorship, financing, networking and growth opportunities, a database of experts and organizations will be created. The database will guide understanding on the collective capacity, resources, success and learnings.
To sign up or learn more about food and beverage business supports, contact the Small Business Centre. Email: info@sbcentre.ca
Phone: 519.659.2882
Quotes:
“The suite of programing and services being offered through the London Economic Development Corporation and Small Business Centre will support our food incubation efforts and ensure those starting a food and beverage company have the tools they need to be successful,” said David Cook, Owner of Fire Roasted Coffee.
“We have seen a real opportunity to support the growing food and beverage sector,” said Kapil Lakhotia, President & CEO, London Economic Development Corporation. “This partnership and our collaborative programing enhance the continuum of services in line with LEDC’s strategic focus.”
“Today's consumers expect more choices and there are a growing number of aspiring food start-ups looking to provide unique products. The sector is poised for growth and we're excited about lending a hand to help people understand the do's and don'ts of business ownership and navigate the regulatory requirements,” said Steve Pellarin, Executive Director, Small Business Centre.
Fast Facts:
- $6 Billion in farm production in Southwestern Ontario
- 60 food and Beverage companies employing over 6,000 people in the London region
- London has significant infrastructure to support agri-food industries, including dual lake water supply and over 1 million square feet of temperature controlled distribution
- LEDC is a member of the Ontario Food Cluster, which markets the region for new international investments
- London’s location in the heart of southwestern Ontario provides easy access to Canada’s agricultural farm belt where companies can source a wide variety of raw materials and ingredients
Media Contact
Ashley Conyngham
Director Marketing & Communications
London Economic Development Corporation
aconyngham@ledc.com
Cell: 519-494-9716
