FAQs
To help you in your research, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions and resources. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, Contact Us directly. We’re happy to help.
Business advisors from at Frontenac Business Services are available to discuss your idea at no cost. Several of their existing food and beverage clients are “foodie mentors” and they are willing to share their experience and provide input.
- Search the cookbook section of bookstores
- Walk the aisles of grocery stores and look at shelfgram.com
- Search social media for trends
- Attend trade and consumer shows
- Read food blogs
- Use Google Trends, a free tool to see what matters most to your audience
- Download Nourish Food Marketing’s trend report
- Visit Sial’s market trend report
Frontenac Business Services is a Not-For-Profit funded by the federal government that provides flexible commercial financing to businesses located in the County of Frontenac.
Occasionally grants may be available. If you sign up for our Mailchimp and indicate you are in the food sector, we will notify you if and when grants become available.
One potential source of grants is the Canada Ontario Agricultural Partnership and another is Starter Company Plus.
In Frontenac, the organization to contact for food safety and food premises is KFL&A Public Health. See their online resources for food premises and for food safety.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency is a regulatory agency that regulates everything from quality and safety standards of food production to labelling.
Many of our clients start by selling direct to consumer through events, farmers markets, and on-line sales. Our business advisors can assist you in identifying some of these opportunities. If your plan is to wholesale, they can also identify potential retailers in the region that may be a good fit for your product.
Some people get started by renting a commercial kitchen space at a legion or church in their community. Regional food hubs may also be an option and some offer specialized equipment.
Sure thing. Some of them you can read about in the success stories section of this site. Some of them are “foodie mentors” who will speak with you directly about their experience with a food and beverage business in Frontenac.
We intend to grow the number of businesses featured as funding permits. If your business is in Frontenac and you wish to be featured go to the contact form and let us know. In the meantime, we are able to promote new FAB businesses and products on our social media.
