TOTA Training Centre

Agri-Tourism Entrepreneur Skills Training Program

Free Certification for Agri-Tourism Entrepreneurs Based in the Thompson Okanagan Region

 
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Program Dates

Program Complete

Online Training:
February 26, 2021 to June 4, 2021 (13 weeks)
3 Days / Week | 9 AM - 4 PM

There is no cost to participate.

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Program Overview

The Agri-Tourism Entrepreneur Skills Training Program helps farmers, crafters, and artisans to launch and develop packaged food product lines from the Thompson Okanagan region. This 13-week, fully funded program will guide participants to develop a market-ready, shelf-stable product to offer in local retail, domestic, and international markets. The program will be delivered online and in-person in a Kelowna processing kitchen.

The blend of live online learning sessions, self-led online industry certificates, and hands-on practical experience in a processing kitchen will rapidly cover many topics aimed to expand small food businesses and support food processing in the Thompson Okanagan region. 

Canned local food products

Participants will come together in a virtual classroom 3 days per week, facilitated by a diverse roster of experienced small business instructors, industry guest speakers and virtual tours to connect participants directly to the Thompson Okanagan agri-tourism industry.

The program will involve participant teamwork and culminate in a presentation of the final agri-tourism product and business concept to a panel of industry experts.

Program Delivery

The Agri-Tourism Entrepreneur Skill Training Program is delivered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

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For more information, contact:
Training@TOTABC.com | (778) 752-5877

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Program Topics

Developed in response to the need to invest in locally derived, grown, processed, packaged, and distributed food supply to support the local economy, the program combines small business, export/market-ready training with hands-on packaging and practical food-processing training within a mobile product development kitchen. 

The knowledge and skills delivered in this training program will help small businesses develop their entrepreneurial idea as well as create new shelf-stable, market-ready products which have been processed and packaged for distribution through domestic supply chains and international drop-shipping as an export product.

This development will allow entrepreneurs to confidently enter the retail market and online platforms.

The curriculum will focus on:

  • Business and product development to launch

  • Coaching and mentorship through in-person and online meetings 

  • Connecting with markets, retail stores, online, and e-commerce platforms

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Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Living in the Central Okanagan area, with access to reliable transportation to commute to Kelowna for regularly scheduled in-person sessions.

  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons legally able to work in Canada.

  • Currently unemployed or precariously employed (casual, seasonal, or part-time) or employed but at risk and in need of training for new opportunities.

  • Over 15 years of age.

Priority participants will be Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and persons with disabilities. Workers 55+ are encouraged to apply.

Permanent full-time employed or temporary foreign workers and international students are NOT eligible.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons legally able to work in Canada.