TFBI Pre-Commercial Program
 

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.

 
 


Join us in conjunction with Enterprise Toronto

More Information


Thank you for visiting the TFBI Booth at:

The Royal Agricultural
Winter Fair 2008
BOOTH: 6116