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
» 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.

 
 


Application

Inquiries about and applications for TFBI's Business Incubation Program are welcomed. More>>