Institute provides funding for Ontario value chain networking workshops

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

by SUSAN MANN

The Agricultural Management Institute is accepting applications to provide funding for groups that hold value chain networking workshops in different regions of Ontario.

The goal of the workshops is to bring together participants along a value chain, such as farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, restaurateurs and consumers, to meet, learn and network about their role in the value chain and talk about creating value added business opportunities within the chain.

“We decided to work from the grassroots up and establish a common space to have that conversation start,” explains institute project coordinator Carolyn Dowling. The networking event is designed to happen “in common territory where they (value chain participants) can really talk about their needs, wants and their vision and hopefully exchange contact information and start building their connections.”

Groups that can apply for funding include regional economic development corporations, community futures development groups, local food development organizations or groups involved in agriculture business. Successful applicants will receive up to $5,000 in funding from the institute to host the event.

Proposals are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and people can apply throughout the institute’s fiscal year, which runs from March 2014 March 2015. But the institute requests that applications be submitted at least four weeks before the event is scheduled to be held, Dowling says. “It’s an ongoing registration.”

There’s also funding available from the institute for any registered group organizing an event in Ontario to bring in a speaker talking about business management. Funding of up to $2,500 is available to cover the event’s associated costs.

“That really covers any type of management practice,” such as business or succession planning or even human resources, Dowling says.

Similar to the value chain networking workshops, funding for business management speakers is on a first-come, first serve basis. Application forms for both projects are available on-line.

For more information, people can call Dowling at (519) 822-6618 or email her at: carolyn@takeanewapproach.ca. BF