The Haliburton County Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that can help you develop and grow your business. Their resources include business counseling, planning, incubation, and funding opportunities to support both new and seasoned businesses.
The Chamber of Commerce in Haliburton County was formed to serve the needs of the local business community. It is an association of businesspeople whose membership has come together to:
lobby all levels of government to advance the interests of local business owners
provide and use member services that support and promote local businesses
facilitate networking and encourage inter-business connections
Their membership benefits include group insurance plans, discounts, training, and marketing solutions.
The Fleming CREW employment centre is designed to help job seekers and career planners find the resources they need to find employment. For food entrepreneurs, they can help you develop a clear set of business goals and help you tailor your business to your particular skills and career objectives.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit can be a valuable resource for food business operators. They offer food handler training courses and a wealth of information on food safety and nutrition. Click the link below to find out when the next food handler training session will be held or to access the contact information. Their public health inspectors are always happy to answer your questions.
Farmers’ markets are an excellent place to start selling your food products. They are a low-risk way to test your product line and hear directly from your customers about what they want. Haliburton County operates three market locations from May until October: Tuesdays in Haliburton Village, Fridays at Stanhope, and Saturdays in Minden. The table fees are affordable, though you’ll need to purchase a tent or other shelter, and a table or two on which to display your wares. Securing a place at the market can be much easier than getting your product into other retail outlets and serve as a great way to launch and grow your business in a welcoming locale. Vendor application forms can be found on the HCFMA website below.
Abbey Gardens is a not-for-profit charity that brings people together to learn about local food and sustainable living. They have made it their mission to support small food businesses through incubation, cross-promotion, and collaboration. Get to know the wonderful staff and volunteers at Abbey Gardens and discover how communities can grow great food business ideas.
The Haliburton County Farmers' Association has been around since the 1970’s and is a mixed collection of local farmers that raise cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, pigs, goats, alpaca, llama, chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. A large number of their members are also cultivators of the land. They also sponsor and host information workshops and lectures and are open to ideas for new ones. Food producers are a great resource for anyone thinking about starting a food business, as their expertise goes right to the source.
Garlic is one of Haliburton County’s signature food crops. The Garlic Growers Association is serious about this culinary staple, and they make it their mission to promote its benefits widely. Whether your food product includes garlic or you’d like to learn more about this versatile local ingredient (garlic ice cream, anyone?!) the Garlic Growers can help you find what you need.