Workshops To Plan & Grow Your Business

Growing a farm or food processing business often means learning while you’re doing. We design practical, efficient workshops that support small-scale farmers and food processors as they grow their businesses. Our instructors bring deep industry experience and work closely with you as you apply what you’re learning to your business plan. Our hands-on, learning-by-doing approach gives you dedicated time and space to work directly on your project throughout the workshop.

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Current Programs

Market Research for Food Businesses

One of the biggest mistakes food founders make? They skip market research. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re not sure what to research, where to find the information, or how to interpret it.

Understanding your customers, your competitors, and your market demand can completely change the way you approach your product, pricing, and growth strategy.

That's why we've partnered with FEAD to deliver Market Research for Food Businesses.

Presented by Salik Hasan Aslam, who has worked with agri-food businesses across Australia, Pakistan, and Canada supporting research and strategy for food entrepreneurs.

In this session we’ll explore:
• What market research actually looks like for food businesses
• Where to find reliable industry and consumer data
• How to analyze competitors
• How research can guide smarter business decisions

April 29, 2026 @ 11 am (MT)

If you're building a food business, this is one of those foundational skills that can make everything else easier.

Past Delivered Programs

Over the last decade, we've delivered a variety of programs for farm and food businesses. Primarily focused on business planning and marketing, our programs were delivered and designed in partnership with government organizations and/or industry associations. We pride ourselves on tailoring our training programs to our audience's needs.

Venture-Capital Ready Program

Small Scale Food Processor Association's new and improved Venture-Capital Ready program is back. This 10-week program is designed for market-tested, women-led food businesses to prepare them for the investment process.

K-12 Institutional Market Readiness Training

A 2.5 hour, online K-12 Institutional Market Readiness Training session for Northern BC food producers and processors to learn how to navigate school procurement and connect with buyers.

Food Business Introduction

An in-person workshop to guide beginners through strategic planning, including business plan, creation and focused marketing research.

Agri-Food Entrepreneur & Supervisor Program

Gain a comprehensive understanding of business planning while building the essential skills needed for key roles in the agri-food sector. Participants finish the program with a complete, viable business plan.

Food Business Planning

Work through a full suite of planning templates supported by mentoring from Farm Food Drink experts and local food system leaders, helping you turn your business ideas into actionable steps.

2-day Food Processor Business Planning Workshop

An intensive hands-on program for food and farm business owners and managers. Learn the essentials of establishing and operating a small-scale food business in just two impactful days.

Food Business Refresh

A flexible, self-directed program that helps you pinpoint your most urgent growth opportunities and build a practical plan to act on them.

Food Business Marketing

A comprehensive workshop and coaching series designed to support significant business growth. With expert mentors and proven frameworks, participants plan and prepare for major upscaling and the next stage of their business development.

Farm Business Refresh

A workshop + coaching hybrid where agriculture specialists help you assess your current business, map out strategic pivots, and begin implementing meaningful changes.

Seafood Business Accelerator

A focused accelerator designed for seafood entrepreneurs wanting to elevate the value of their harvest. Participants receive industry training, coaching, and individualized support to create a seafood innovation plan and product prototype.

Food Business Marketing Research

Learn the fundamentals of marketing research and gain the skills to conduct your own studies independently. This program equips you to make informed, data-driven decisions for your business.

Food Business Packaging & Labelling

Understand the essential elements of packaging and labelling for food and beverage products. Through templates and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn to create packaging that communicates your brand and attracts customers.

Food Business Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a fast-growing and vital part of promoting food products. This workshop provides a practical overview of the key strategies and tools for small-scale food businesses to succeed online.

Lean Marketing Program

Marketing can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Our Lean Marketing program teaches you how to test campaigns efficiently, maximize results with minimal resources, and learn quickly from your outcomes.

Workshops