The federal government will inject $2 million into a Toronto-based non-profit to help Black and equity-deserving entrepreneurs expand their reach in the food and beverage industry. The investment, announced on February 27 in Mississauga, provides funding to Foodpreneur Lab for its Step Up Scale Up program. The money comes from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). It targets 75 specific food entrepreneurs who will receive hands-on product development support. The aim is to help these small companies move beyond local markets and navigate the high costs of the national food sector. Minister Evan Solomon, who oversees FedDev Ontario, said the investment helps address barriers that still prevent many residents from growing business ventures. He said the government is focused on building a more inclusive economy. The timing of the announcement coincides with the end of Black History Month. "This investment will help Black and equity-deserving entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector as they overcome barriers and scale their businesses," Solomon said. "We’re building a more inclusive economy where all entrepreneurs have the opportunity to thrive."
Focus on scaling regional brands
Foodpreneur Lab has operated since 2019. It focuses on founders who face systemic hurdles when trying to break into grocery retail or large-scale distribution. This latest round of funding builds on a previous $3 million grant provided through the Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund. Janice Bartley, founder and executive director of Foodpreneur Lab, said the support is vital for regional economic prosperity. She said the work empowers businesses to innovate and create new jobs. The group provides industry expertise that is often difficult for independent start-ups to access. The funding arrives as the government attempts to address food security and rising costs at the checkout. Officials believe that diversifying the market with new products from smaller producers can improve the resilience of the local supply chain. This move mirrors other efforts across the province, such as how Kitchener seeks public input on environmental planning to improve local infrastructure. While Foodpreneur Lab handles the business side, the government is also looking at the wider financial environment. A $150 million Food Security Fund is being established under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. This is designed to help small and medium enterprises manage global trade pressures.
Agri-food investment trends in ontario
The $2 million grant is part of a larger spending pattern in the region. Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has put more than $193 million into 76 different projects within the agri-food sector. The agency reports that these investments have created more than 3,300 jobs across the province. The broad strategy involves more than just food production. It often intersects with other community-driven initiatives, such as the United Way Greater Toronto campaign which targets social equity. Federal data shows that since 2015, over $735 million has been directed toward 980 projects led by underrepresented groups in southern Ontario. Robert Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, said the funding ensures more people have access to necessary training. He said Foodpreneur Lab is making a difference by helping people turn raw ideas into viable commercial successes. The hands-on nature of the program specifically handles the "lab" aspect of testing new food products for safety and shelf stability.
Next steps for applicants
The 75 entrepreneurs selected for the program will receive personalized assistance. This includes access to industry mentors and technical experts who understand the regulatory requirements of the Canadian food industry. Scaling a food business often requires expensive certifications and specialized packaging that can bankrupt a small firm without proper guidance. The investment is expected to roll out through the 2026 fiscal year. Foodpreneur Lab will continue to manage the intake for the Step Up Scale Up program. Interested entrepreneurs in southern Ontario can find details on eligibility through the FedDev Ontario website or the non-profit's own portal. Government officials will monitor the growth of the participating companies over the next 12 months. Reporting on job creation and market expansion will be required as part of the grant agreement. The results will likely influence future funding cycles for the Black Entrepreneurship Program.
