Counties offer training and networking sessions for agri-food entrepreneurs

The counties of Simcoe and Grey are working together to support and bolster the training and networking of local agri-food entrepreneurs. This January to March, Simcoe and Grey counties are hosting a series of events that will give local food businesses and producers a chance to learn from experts about various aspects of food retailing. Attendees will gain new skills they can use to expand their businesses within our regions and beyond our borders.

Advance registration for the sessions is required online through www.edo.simcoe.ca or www.investingrey.ca.

“Our region is investment ready and we’re doing everything we can to support and promote local businesses across all sectors,” said County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall. “With such a rich agricultural heritage, the agri-food sector presents a huge opportunity for our businesses to grow and thrive in a global marketplace. I encourage all our entrepreneurs to join us for the sessions, learn, network and help advance our position as leaders in Ontario’s agri-food sector.”

“Agriculture has deep roots in Grey County and farming and food production continues to be a major contributor to our region’s economy,” said Grey County Warden Alan Barfoot. “We’re pleased to work closely together with Simcoe County to offer these great events that will inspire local food entrepreneurs and help them expand.”

The sessions are designed for anyone working or operating an agri-food related business. Winter 2017 sessions include:

Honing Your Sales Pitch and Presentation Workshop
Wednesday January 25, 2017 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood
Cost: $15
The purpose of this workshop is to help food entrepreneurs fine tune their pitches and presentations – for a broker, distributor or retailer. Participants will get an opportunity to practice their pitch and get feedback from an actual food broker.

Straight from the Expert: What Grocers Are Looking for in Your Pitch?
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood
Cost: $15
Participants in this presentation will hear from Giancarlo Trimarchi, Partner of Vince’s Market about how to the retail system works.  The presentation will include information about how buyers select who to meet with; how the buying process works; and what they are looking for in a pitch.

Business to Business Sales
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood
Cost: $15
This seminar will introduce techniques, tools and case studies that all food entrepreneurs can use to enter into the channels of wholesaling and foodservice.

Agri-Tourism: Are you Ready for Visitors?
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood
Cost: $15
Kim Clarke, Tourism Experience Development Specialist from Regional Tourism Organization 7 will guide you through product vs. experiences, the progression of economic value, and what it takes to be market-ready.

Business to Retailer Networking Event
Thursday, March 16, 2017 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Beaver Valley Community Centre, 58 Alfred Street West, Thornbury
Cost: Free
This networking event will allow retailers an opportunity to meet with local agri-food businesses, sample products and get an introduction to the products available. The event is open to primary producers and agri-food processors from the surrounding region.

Advance registration for the sessions is required online through www.edo.simcoe.ca or www.investingrey.ca.

Grey County is an upper-tier municipal government serving nine member municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. Learn more by visiting www.grey.ca.

County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

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