The Small Scale Food Processor Association (SSFPA) is about to embark on its “Get Ready to Grow” tour of eight British Columbia communities through the fall of 2012, taking fresh ideas to growing food processing businesses across the province. Each stop on the tour will include a series of presentations designed to help small businesses grow, including adapting digital technology, worker safety and an overview of online food processing development resources.
“Get Ready to Grow!” is scheduled to stop in Creston on Oct. 15 at the College of the Rockies.
SSFPA executive director Candice Appleby is excited about what the tour offers small business.
“The demand for BC food products is growing at a rapid pace,” she said, “and we want to make sure that new and existing agri-food businesses have access to the tools they need to help them meet the growing demand.”
WorkSafe BC is also a partner on the tour. WorkSafe BC statistics show that injury rates increase when a small scale food processor company has 10-19 workers, compared to those with fewer than 10. For a growing business, the impact of lost productivity resulting from an injured worker can be significant.
Appleby is also eager to help small businesses adopt digital technology, important for businesses located far from large urban centres:
“We’re especially excited to introduce ‘TotalSnap’ to local businesses,” she said. “This online solution — developed by Hosting Nation out of Parksville — offers businesses an affordable and user friendly marketing system to help maximize their online presence, including e-commerce, social media and mobile phone-friendly websites”.
Doors open for registration and networking at 4 p.m. Nourishing refreshments will be provided. Sessions start at 4:30 p.m. There is limited seating and pre-registration is required, so please register early. The after-hours event is offered at no charge.
For more information and online course registration, interested businesses should visit the Small Scale Food Processor Association website at www.ssfpa.net or call 1-866-619-7372. Registration can also be done by contacting the College of the Rockies’ Creston campus at 250-428-5332.
— SMALL SCALE FOOD PROCESSOR ASSOCIATION