Are you growing a food or beverage business in Northumberland? Entrepreneurs can now access free food and beverage training thanks to a new partnership between the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN), the Ontario Agri-Venture Centre (OAFVC) and the Foodpreneur Advantage Program.
The Foodpreneur Advantage Program is specialized training designed for individuals looking to start or expand a food or beverage manufacturing business producing consumer packaged goods (CPG). This program delivers educational opportunities that help entrepreneurs navigate the process of launching, scaling, or expanding into new product lines.
Since 2015, the OAFVC has supported nearly 400 CPG businesses across Ontario. Products produced onsite have ranged from sauces, carbonated beverages, salsa and pita chips to ice cream treats, frozen smoothies, granola bites, baked goods, and even cricket protein.
In 2025, about 85 businesses accessed the OAFVC for food-safe production space and storage, streamlined shipping, and building industry connections, with clients producing more than $4 million worth of goods onsite.
“The food and beverage sector is a vital contributor to Northumberland’s economy. The OAFVC and the BECN both play important roles in supporting business growth through targeted programs and services.
This new partnership with Foodpreneur Advantage adds a valuable educational component that will further strengthen business owner knowledge and skills,” says Northumberland County Manager of Economic Development Rob Day.
“We’re excited to formalize our partnership with the BECN and the OAFVC through the Foodpreneur Advantage ecosystem,” states Foodpreneur Advantage Program Coordinator Phil Singeris. “Together, we’re strengthening support for regional food and beverage entrepreneurs by connecting them to specific training, advisory services, and growth opportunities—advancing a more resilient and competitive agri-food sector.”
All sessions will be held virtually for one hour on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Participants must register for each individual session by visiting BECN.ca/Foodpreneur.
Upcoming training includes:
· Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance – April 16, 2026
· How to Sell your Food Product – April 23, 2026
· Costing & Pricing to Make Profits – April 30, 2026
· Marketing & Branding your Food Product – May 14, 2026
· Food Safety Fundamentals for Start-Ups – May 21, 2026
· Labeling & Packaging your Food Product – May 28, 2026
This partnership reflects Northumberland County’s continued commitment to supporting business innovation, value-added agri-food development, and entrepreneurship within the region.
For more information about the Foodpreneur Advantage Program and to register for upcoming sessions, visit BECN.ca/Foodpreneur.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
