The CWB is proud to present The Specialized Program in Cooking Entrepreneurship (SPICE) for under-represented Nova Scotian women* who are ready to move from their kitchen tables, to a fully compliant food business. SPICE will help participants build industry knowledge of Nova Scotia food safety standards, successfully incorporating them into their businesses.
Limited to 12 women per cohort, this complimentary program involving 8 weeks of active learning and ongoing support up to a year, is being offered in hybrid format. In-person sessions will be held within HRM.
Check out our 2024-2025 SPICE Impact Report to learn more about the program.
To ensure this program is as accessible as possible, successful applicants will be provided with support for: starting their business, registering their business, insurance, licenses, childcare, safety training, taxi fare, and commercial kitchen rental support.
Applications are closed for the 2025 SPICE program. To be considered for the 2026 cohort, please fill out the application to add your name to the waitlist.
Questions? Contact Natalie Frederick-Wilson at natalie.frederick-wilson@msvu.ca
* While all women are welcome to apply, priority will be given to applications received from Black Nova Scotian Woman, Black Women of African Decent, Indigenous Women, and Immigrant Women.
- Underrepresented woman with an idea about starting a food business in Nova Scotia
- Underrepresented woman who has been selling food products without formal training or business plan
- Underrepresented woman who does not have a formal business plan
- Underrepresented woman interested in transitioning from a home kitchen to a licensed facility
- Immigrant woman who is selling cultural food and are unaware of Nova Scotia’s provincial food regulations and procedures
- Underrepresented woman operating in unlicensed facilities without proper food handling and/or training
- 8 weeks of active learning in a hybrid format (with in-person sessions in HRM)
- Ongoing support for up to one year
- Small cohort of up to 12 participants
- Hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen
- Access to funding supports (business registration, licensing, insurance, childcare, transportation, kitchen rental, safety training)
- Opportunities to connect with industry experts and support organizations
- How to develop a full business plan (market strategy, finances, operations)
- Nova Scotia food safety regulations and how to comply with them
- How to create a Food Safety Plan and properly label products
- Steps to register and license a food business
- How to identify and access industry resources and support networks
- Hiring and operational planning for your business
- How to grow, scale, and expand into new markets (beyond farmers’ markets to retail)
- Risk management and how to avoid penalties through compliance
- Who to contact for support when challenges arise