Introduction:

Member companies receive access to a production space and fully equipped commercial kitchen. Hands-on experience is supplemented with training, field-trips, and mentoring. Companies share TFBI's network of industry contacts. This provides the opportunity for rapid progress.

The TFBI Pre-Commercial Program has been developed to help reduce the risk and drastically lower the cost of developing a sustainable food manufacturing venture.

Pre-Commercial Phase I

Duration: 3-months
Programming Partner:
Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)

» 40 hrs per month of shared commercial kitchen time
» Product testing at consumer markets
» Business advisory support
» Touchdown computer workstation
» Limited storage space at facility

Business Fundamentals (TBDC)	Food Fundamentals (TFBI)
Introduction (3 hrs) -- legal structure -- mission -- vision Marketing Research(3 hrs) -- understanding your industry -- analysing your competition -- identifying your target market Marketing (3 hrs) -- positioning -- marketing strategies (4p's) -- cold calls Financial Management (3 hrs) -- book keeping principles -- setting up your books -- basic reporting -- cash flow forecasting	Kitchen Orientation (2 hrs) -- equipment -- cleaning -- security procedures Regulatory (1 hrs) -- food safety / handling -- Goods manufacturing Practice (GMP)

Following Phase I, TFBI Clients decide if they wish to continue with the pursuit of their venture.

Pre-Commercial Phase II

Duration: 3-months
Programming Partner:
Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)

» 40 hr per month of shared commercial kitchen time
» Access to one-on-one advisors and industry mentors as required
» Business plan development assistance
» Product testing at consumer and trade events
» Resource centre
» Touchdown computer workstation
» Access to shared product liability insurance up to $2M
» Limited storage space at facility

Business Fundamentals (TBDC)	Food Fundamentals (TFBI)
Business Networking Events Lunch and Learn Sessions	Business Plan Mentoring -- direction to resources -- feedback on continuing market research and business plan development Product Development Assistance -- access to product development mentors and workshops

Following Phase II, Clients go through a self-evaluation process and decide if they wish to continue the pursuit the development of their company and the process of commercialization.