BEA - Product Feasibility

Product Feasibility Bootcamp

BEA’s Product Feasibility Bootcamp, in partnership with York University YSpace, is a FREE 8-week virtual program designed to support Black entrepreneurs entering the food industry with product development, validation, and industry knowledge.

What to expect

Full feasibility study on your food & beverage product through interactive virtual training and curated mentorship with industry professionals.

Engage with industry experts and food entrepreneurs to gain foundational knowledge to test and create a roadmap for your food & beverage product.

Participate in farmer’s markets and industry showcases to validate and grow your food business.

Community

Build a network of like-minded individuals to create a sense of support as you lead your business.

Leadership development

Leverage your interactive virtual training sessions to develop your personal entrepreneurial skills.

Growth frameworks

Create a roadmap for your food & beverage business to ensure you have a plan to fosters success and growth.

Milestone driven

Reach new levels of potential by using our resources to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and access the tools you need to scale your food and growth company.

Timeline

Applications open

July 15, 2024

Applications closed

August 25, 2024

Selection

September 2024

Program kick off day

October 10, 2024

Demo day

November 28, 2024

Application process

Step: One

Please note applications are now closed. Join our waitlist for future programs!

If you have any questions about the application process, email us at yspace@yorku.ca

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Step: Two

If chosen, applicants will be contacted by the BEA team for additional information. The selected companies will be asked to complete an onboarding form that will give the programming team an opportunity to better understand the business idea.

Step: Three

Accepted companies will gain access to resources and support for development. Program participants will have access to curated programming and a variety of tailored resources which include a network of industry experts, startup perks, as well as peer founder circles to continue developing their venture.

Program eligibility

The applicant must self-identify as Black.
Your business is located in Canada (Must reside in Southern Ontario).
Must have a strong idea and/or CPG food product.

Frequently asked

August 25, 2024

Introduction to the Food & Beverage Industry
Business Model Canvas
Value Proposition & Customer Persona
Food Regulatory and Compliance
Channel Strategy
Product Pricing & Unit Economics
Storytelling & Pitching

It is a free program for selected participants, and we do not take any equity in the company!

We are looking for individuals who have an idea for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) products and want to gain a better understanding of the industry and what it takes to launch a CPG product. Whether it is a hot sauce, a beverage or a snack – just come with an idea that you are ready to build on.

The program is open to everyone who identifies as Black, and it is open to individuals within Southern Ontario. So, you do not have to be from the Black Creek community to apply and participate.

Participants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Participants are expected to contribute a minimum of 2 – 5 hours a week to participate in the educational workshops and connect with their mentors. Any additional time they have to complete the work required to push their business idea forward will be up to the participant.

A maximum of 10 applications will be chosen for the program during each cohort.

Three Black entrepreneurs in multi-coloured squares.

Apply Now!

Applications are open until August 25, 2024.

Apply Now

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YSpace is committed to working with emerging technology, agrifood, products and services. Get in touch today to find out how you can become a part of our community.

Contact us

For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940