The Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce applauds the new FEAST Hub Program, brought to you by the Northwestern Innovation Centre, together in partnership with Seven Generations Education Institute and FedNor

The FEAST Hub Program is a nine-to-twelve-month business accelerator designed to help home-based food entrepreneurs in the Kenora and Rainy River region grow from farmers’ market vendors into scalable, full-time operations.

“FEAST is about giving local food entrepreneurs the tools to grow.” said Richard Gemmill, Executive Director of NOIC.” Many have proven their products at the farmers’ market but lack access to kitchen space, regulatory support, and capital to scale. This program helps close that gap and strengthen our regional economy,” he said

FEAST supports entrepreneurs who have validated their products and are ready to scale. Each

cohort consisting of six participants will receive:

• Access to SGEI’s Kenora Campus commercial kitchen (10 hours/month) with storage
• Mentorship and networking with other food entrepreneurs
• Guidance on food safety and regulatory compliance
•  Up to $5,000 in reimbursement funding (50% cost-share) for eligible expenses

“Through this partnership, we are facilitating connections between entrepreneurs and the resources, facilities, and support networks essential for their business growth,” said Brian Kozak, Campus Director at SGEI’s Kenora Campus.

“By providing access to our commercial kitchen, classrooms, meeting spaces and training opportunities, our goal is to empower local entrepreneurs as they venture into the food manufacturing sector, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed,” Kozak adds

The program is open to start-ups, existing businesses, and Indigenous communities across Northwestern Ontario producing value-added food products such as baked goods, preserves, sauces, and prepared foods.

Participants must commit full-time for the program duration. A onetime fee of $225 applies. Applications are open until August 12, 2026. Interested entrepreneurs can apply by emailing chathura@nwoinnovation.ca

To learn more about the FEAST Program click here!