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
» Food & Business Fundamentals Training Programs (34 hrs)
» Mentor Speaker Series (2 hrs)
» Product testing at consumer markets
» Wireless internet
» Resource centre
» Touchdown computer workstation
» Access to shared product liability insurance up to $2 M (see fee schedule)
» Limited storage space at facility

Business Fundamentals (TBDC)

Food Fundamentals (TFBI)

Introduction (3 hrs) -- legal structures -- mission -- vision Financial Management (3 hrs) -- book keeping principles -- setting up your books -- basic reporting -- cash flow forecasting Marketing (3 hrs) -- market research -- marketing strategies (4p's) Sales (3 hrs) -- positioning -- pitch -- objections/ rejections -- cold calls Operations Planning (3 hrs) -- goods production

Kitchen Orientation (3 hrs) -- equipment -- cleaning -- security procedures Regulatory (3 hrs) -- food safety / handling -- Goods manufacturing Practice (GMP) Product Development (3 hrs) -- Recipes -- Shelf-life -- Legislative requirements (eg: nutritional labeling) Food Channels (1/2 day) -- includes tour of Ontario Food Terminal Communications Production (3 hrs) -- website -- sell sheets -- graphics -- labels Mentor Series (2 hrs) -- case study -- success stories

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
» Mentor Speaker Series (up to 6 hrs)
» Product testing at consumer and trade events
» Networking links with industry & retail buyers
» Wireless internet
» 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 Plan Mentoring (3 hrs)

Business Plan Mentoring (3 hrs) -- review of 30-60-90 Day Plan -- direction to resources -- feedback on business communication development Product Development Assistance -- access to product development mentors, if required -- access to Market and Tradeshows for development of product, testing sales and marketing messages -- direct leads to suppliers and buyers Mentor Speaker Series -- speakers encompassing a range of individuals with experience in the food sector

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.