COHORT 2
– October 4th, 2023 - December 5th 2024
impact report
The Specialized Program in Cooking Entrepreneurship (SPICE) is a food business incubator and accelerator offered by the Centre for Women in Business (CWB). The program aims to empower women entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups in the food industry by providing education, mentorship, and connections to critical business opportunities.
After a successful pilot launch, SPICE Cohort 2 saw 8 successful program participants who have since demonstrated remarkable growth and success in building their food businesses.
KEY IMPACT OUTCOMES:
1. Access to Commercial Kitchen Space & Market Exposure
In partnership with Rockingham United Church, SPICE participants now have access to a licensed commercial kitchen for food production and storage. This partnership has not only facilitated daily operations but also opened new sales opportunities, with the Rockingham community now interested in purchasing products and expanding the women’s customer base.
2. Grants & Financial Support
SPICE participants secured over $25,000 in grants through Perennia, which will cover critical food safety testing, nutritional labeling, shelf-life analysis, and education. This financial support is vital for ensuring product quality and market readiness.
3. Market Access & Sales Growth
Three participants successfully joined the “Taking Root” program, a Farmers’ Market Nova Scotia initiative, which provides $2,000 in support for table fees, marketing, and equipment. This has allowed them to connect with thousands of potential customers. Additionally, several participants have reported a 5080% increase in sales since joining the program, driven by new retail opportunities and direct sales at high-traffic events like the Nova Scotia Wine & Spirits Festival, Filipino Festival, and SaltScapes Expo.
Program Outcomes & Participant Impact
Since completing the SPICE program, participants have shown significant progress in their entrepreneurial journey. The support provided by CWB, alongside the strong network of partners, has equipped participants with the confidence and tools needed to thrive in the food business sector.
4. Media Exposure & Brand Recognition
SPICE participants have garnered significant media attention, with features in Saltscapes Magazine and Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia publications. One participant, Paolucci Pasta, was highlighted in SaltWire articles and will be featured in the Eastlink documentary *Here I Am*. These media opportunities have increased brand visibility and opened doors to corporate sales and catering opportunities.
5. New Retail and Catering Opportunities
Participants are now successfully vending at major festivals across Nova Scotia and selling to independently owned specialty retail shops. Connections with institutions such as Pete’s Frootique, Dalhousie University, and Saint Mary’s University have opened doors for retail sales, while the Arthur Irving Entrepreneurship Centre has expressed interest in purchasing catering services from SPICE participants.
6. Skills Development & Operational Growth
Through the program’s ongoing mentorship and support, participants have strengthened their business acumen, learning key skills in cost calculation, inventory management, and product expansion. As a result, several participants have been able to scale their operations, with increased capacity and sales.
“Without SPICE, my business would not exist. The access to funding was important but the resources and knowledge provided [by SPICE] were invaluable. I had a full-time job working with an American company for $77,000 and was able to leave that job to work full time in food business because I have the confidence, knowledge and skills to move my business forward.”
- Vanessa SPICE participant
The Centre for Women in Business remains committed to the ongoing success of SPICE participants, providing them with continued access to business advisories, networking opportunities, and strategic partnerships. SPICE runs annually, with a new cohort starting each Fall/Winter, supporting 12 more women through the program and strengthening the ecosystem of women-led food businesses in Nova Scotia.
100% of participants completed the program
Breakdown of underserved women supported by SPICE
* Numbers are cumulative and represent a combination of all cohorts.
Since joining Participants reported:
CONCLUSION
The second cohort of SPICE has had significant impact on its participants, demonstrating resilience, growth, and a commitment to creating strong, sustainable businesses. Through the support of CWB and its extensive network of partners, participants have made valuable connections, secured funding, and seen substantial increases in both sales and brand recognition. SPICE is proving to be a vital resource in empowering underrepresented women in the food business sector, and its continued expansion promises to provide even more opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia.
100% ofscaledparticipants operations (increasedstaff,
production capacity,etc.)
SPICE formed an average of
4
new partnerships
from CWB’s network (institutional clients, wholesale buyers, distributors)
Economic Impact
SPICE participants created an average of 3 new jobs within their businesses
Skills Development & Capacity Building:
SPICE participants spent an average of 280 hours on business skills development
Sales Growth
Participants had an average sales growth of 50-80%
Product Expansion
Participants launched on average 6 new products
New Revenue Streams
Participants secured an average of 1 new revenue stream (e.g. catering, corporate sales, wholesale, online sales etc.)
Positive Financial Impact
Participants secured a total of $72,000 in grants, loans, and investments
The SPICE program was a game changer. It helped me with product branding, new ideas for catering, and introducing new products. The new equipment was impactful in developing the business past start-up. It changed everything about my business. It had a positive impact on every aspect of my business!
- Hina SPICE participant