Canadian University receiving $475K to support agri-food startups and entrepreneurs

The federal government is allocating over $475,000 towards an innovation hub supporting agri-food startups and entrepreneurs.

York University’s YSpace is getting the funding and plans to use it on its new Food and Beverage Accelerator program which aims to build specialized tools and resources to combat the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the consumer-packaged goods and agri-food sector.

“We are thrilled that our Food and Beverage Accelerator will soon be able to support racialized and women founders nationally. We have built a robust and impactful program, and now with the funding resources to serve these groups, we can expand not only our reach but our impact across Canada,” said David Kwok, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at YSpace.

This funding is part of the AgriDiversity Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

“This new funding for YSpace at York University is vitally important and I’m so pleased to be supporting this initiative,” added. Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Removing barriers and creating more opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups is essential to building an economy that works for everyone and keeping the sector strong.”