The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre has launched its spring 2026 session of the Foodpreneur Advantage program, offering free online seminars to help aspiring food entrepreneurs across Ontario launch and grow their businesses. The series, which began in mid-April and continues through May 28, 2026, provides practical training on topics ranging from food safety to product pricing and marketing.
The initiative is designed to support the local food and beverage sector, an industry that contributes over $17 billion annually to the provincial economy and employs more than 125,000 people. With Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector ranking third in North America, the program aims to provide the necessary skills for new owners to bring their products to market.
“We’re thrilled to launch a new round of programming dedicated to supporting local food and beverage entrepreneurs,” said Mireille Lemire, Business Advisor at the centre. “Our region is full of creative culinary businesses, and this program is designed to help them move forward with practical support, expert advice, and meaningful mentorship.”
The series features workshops including costing and pricing for profits on April 30, food safety fundamentals on May 2, marketing and branding on May 14, and labelling and packaging requirements on May 28. The program is delivered in partnership with the London Small Business Centre and the Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network.
The centre is operated by Cornwall Economic Development and receives funding from the Government of Ontario. The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce encourages local entrepreneurs to reach out to the office for support, noting that the community benefits from having such an active local resource. Since 2013, the centre has assisted 210 businesses through its various programs.
