Newcomers’ Food Entrepreneur Pitch Competition winners Dawood Abdulsalam and Kabirat Agunbiade celebrate with county and program staff and previous program participants after their recent win. /Northumberland County photo
Four entrepreneurs from a second cohort of Northumberland’s Newcomers’ Food Entrepreneur Program shined on Tuesday while dishing up tasty food creations and innovative ideas into tangible retail-ready products.
Entrepreneurs competed and pitched their products to a panel of judges at the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre (OAFVC) in Colborne, impressing local grocers and retailers with delectable food creations, said Northumberland County.
These products, developed through the immersive six-week entrepreneurial program, were assessed based on creativity, taste, texture, cost, marketing and presentation, added the county.
“It was a pleasure to be a part of the judges’ panel for this year’s Newcomers’ Food Entrepreneur Program Pitch Competition,” said Northumberland County Coun. and Cramahe Mayor Mandy Martin. “On behalf of county council, I would like to congratulate all the participants who competed.
“It was inspiring to see how they have transformed innovative ideas into tangible retail-ready products,” said Martin. “This program is an excellent opportunity for New Canadians to share their skills and grow meaningful connections in the community to help them turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.”
After a tough competition, Kabirat Agunbiade and Dawood Abdulsalam took home the coveted 2024 Newcomers’ Food Entrepreneur Program Pitch Competition trophy, as well as complimentary services from the OAFVC valued at $500 for their “Harvestroot Blend” beverage.
The program, supported by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is a described as a free initiative open to new Canadians interested in turning their small batch recipe into a scalable recipe for retail sale.
Throughout the program, participants learn how to finance, package, label and market their food product, with the help of industry experts and OAFVC facilities and staff, explained the county.
“The support from the Newcomers’ Food Entrepreneur Program and OAFVC was very helpful,” said Agunbiade. “When I first signed up for the program, I didn’t think I would actually get this far.
“The virtual education and training along the way was very helpful. The program was zero cost to be a part of and allowed me to get my product up and running. I am very thankful for this opportunity.”
Northumberland County’s settlement services at 905- 375-7047 has more information about the program and other supports available. To learn more about services at OAFVC, visit OAFVC.ca.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
