Financing a business is a challenge for any company, but especially for small food businesses. The pressure is on to comply with North America’s new food safety regulations, expected to take effect in 2018. Health Canada is implementing the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and the FDA in the U.S. implemented the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Canadian food businesses exporting to the U.S. will have to comply with both.
How can a small Canadian business afford the cost of implementing the required food safety measures? Read on.
Is it worth it? It’s all in the way you look at it. Yes, food safety is a cost of doing business but, it’s also a trust-builder. In this age of social media, consumer expectations of transparency and authenticity and growing concern for the safety of their food, can there be a stronger message than “our brand invests in food safety”?
ONE COMPANY’S EXPERIENCE
At this month’s North American Food Safety Summit in Toronto, Randy Josephs, VP of Operations at Kisko Products, described how his family’s business overcame challenges to grow into a medium-size business. They were able to implement technology within a budget, keep up with regulations, provide ongoing employee training and find funding through Canadian government programs.
BENEFITS
Government programs will not fully fund your business. Additional capital is required. For Kisko, the benefits outweighed the costs. Over a 5 year period improvements included:
- Direct labour
- Machine usage, changeover, throughput and capacity
- Decreased production waste and garbage cost
- Market development
- Export expansion capabilities
RESOURCES
Canadian government funding programs are typically focused on innovation, market growth and export development. Each program has its own eligibility requirements and window of availability, and may not be an option for your business. There are also other programs and grants available, including tax incentives like SR&ED. Randy shared some programs that helped grow his business:
- Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
- Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
- Growing Forward 2
- Local Food Fund
But, who has the time for research and filling out applications? Where do you start? Mentor Works helped Kisko navigate through the government maze, identifying and successfully applying for the appropriate funding opportunities. They provide the necessary knowledge and tools to enable their clients to submit future successful applications on their own. To learn more, Mentor Works provides webinars and workshops.
INAC Services also helps businesses secure government funding and tax credits and specializes in the agrifood industry.
So don’t despair. Check out what the Canadian government has to offer.
As a packaged foods specialist, Birgit Blain transforms food into retail-ready products. Her experience includes 17 years with Loblaw Brands and President’s Choice®. Contact her at Birgit@BBandAssoc.com. Check out this recent rebranding project.
© Birgit Blain