Food and drinks firms invited to satisfy their hunger for success with new business accelerator

An exciting new accelerator programme aimed at helping food and drinks businesses across Mid and East Antrim find the recipe to long-term success and sustainability, is due to get underway early next year.

Interested businesses are invited to an online Information Session to find out more about the Food and Drink Accelerator Programme, which is a partnership initiative of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Dumfries & Galloway Council, delivered by Elevator.

The project forms part of the key strategic objectives agreed by both councils under the North Channel Partnership.

Established food and drinks operators, who have a hunger to grow professionally and personally, will be given the opportunity to gain the skills, capability and plans to scale their businesses rapidly and sustainably.

Following an initial information session on Friday 29 October, businesses will then be invited to participate in a ‘bootcamp’ session planned for 23 November.

This session is where participants will undertake tasks to assess their commitment, suitability and desire to learn.

A final selection of just six businesses per council area will go through to the main programme commencing 11 January to 31 March 2021.

The 10-week programme features three phases - Discover: Develop: Deliver.

Each week, core sessions will introduce participants to key elements to support the growth of their business.

Topics will include value proposition, scaling, marketing, business planning, circular economy and next steps, along with tailored sessions for food and drink companies.

Industry experts and experienced mentors will challenge successful candidates on their goals, plans and business ideas, fine-tuning them until they are investor-ready.

Interested businesses are invited to a special Information Session on Friday 29 October from 1pm to 2.30pm, where they will have the chance to hear about what’s on offer during the Food and Drink Accelerator Programme.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor William McCaughey, encouraged local food and drinks businesses to register their interest in the information session.

“This programme will have mutual benefits to both councils, and highlights the significance of the work of the North Channel Partnership.

“The programme will also further enhance and complement the suite of supports that have already been developed as part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Agri-Food Strategy and Action Plan.

“We have such a rich network of talent and creativity when it comes to agri-food in our borough, and through collaboration with our partners in Dumfries and Galloway Council, we will be able to support those businesses on their journey to long-term success and sustainability.”

To register for the Food and Drink Accelerator Programme information session, please visit https://bit.ly/3vA2UQs