Image Credit: Kamloops Food Policy Council

By Ali MacBoudreau

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culinary kinship — the crucial role of community for food entrepreneurs

Apr 2, 2024 | 11:00 AM

IF YOU’VE EVER EMBARKED ON an entrepreneurial journey of any kind, you may have experienced some feelings of loneliness along the way — especially if you’re operating solo, it’s common to feel isolated. It can be difficult for anyone else to understand the intimate details of your business and the challenges that you are almost certain to face.

The food industry comes with additional and unique challenges, as it usually operates on slim margins and there are many fluctuating factors that can drastically impact your success. Those who start food businesses very often begin with a passion and love for their food and are quickly met with a somewhat harsh reality of the challenging industry they’ve chosen to be in. Being a whiz in the kitchen doesn’t automatically mean that you are also a business savvy person — there’s always a lot to learn.

One of the best ways to combat these challenges is to find a community of support, mentorship and collaboration. Having others on your side that are either going through, or have been through, similar experiences can do wonders for your mental health, can motivate you, and can help you level up and succeed in many ways. The collective wisdom and experience within an entrepreneurial community can accelerate the learning curve, helping you navigate obstacles more effectively and make informed decisions that drive your business’ growth.

The food industry is constantly evolving, and trends, prices and preferences can shift rapidly. Engaging with peers can allow you to stay informed about emerging trends, innovative practices and industry insights. During my own time operating a food processing business in Kamloops, I found out about most opportunities, including finding a commercial lease, by talking directly to other people in the industry. Getting to know other local business owners enables entrepreneurs to tap into a diverse pool of information, opportunities, connections, and insight.

Almost more importantly is having people to support you during the emotional and mental challenges that undoubtedly will come your way. Sure, family and friends can be leaned on, but having a community of other food entrepreneurs that you connect with and who not only want the best for you but have been down a similar path can make a huge difference to your mental fortitude. Other entrepreneurs understand the elation and excitement during the high moments and the frustration and stress that comes with the low times. They can celebrate your successes and empathize — and strategize — with your struggles.

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I have both owned and operated my own food processing business, and watched many other business owners navigate their own challenges through my work at The Stir, which is the food hub for the Kamloops region.

The Stir provides commercial kitchen space with specialized processing equipment, as well as event space and business mentorship (among other cool things). One of the less tangible benefits of being a member of The Stir, or as we call it, a Stir Maker, is the community that automatically comes with it. Our staff get it, and the other business owners who collectively call The Stir home get it. We work together to find solutions and do our best to support one another in all stages of the journey.

If you have a food business idea, like the idea of having a built-in community and want to learn more about how to get started, get in touch! You can email me at kitchen@kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.com.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.