Seeding Success: Cultivating Sustainable Food Enterprises in Victoria

A training program cultivating sustainable food enterprises

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Together with The Difference Incubator and STREAT, we’re thrilled to be launching Seeding Success which supports leaders in the food system space to empower business solutions, with experts by their side.  

VicHealth is dedicated to transforming food systems in Victoria to create a fairer, more circular food landscape. 

To do this, we need to create sustainable and impactful business models that support food enterprises to thrive, no matter their role in the system. That’s why we’re launching Seeding Success – a training program cultivating sustainable food enterprises.  

Details

Who

• For: Leaders of food social enterprises, food hubs or not-for-profit food organisations that trade in Victoria
• By: VicHealth together with The Difference Incubator and STREAT

What

• A free 4-month online training program (with live and self-paced sessions)

When

• Applications close: Monday 1 July 2024
• Notification to applicants: Wednesday 23 July 2024
• Program dates: Monday 12 August - Fri 29 November 2024

About the program

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Transforming food systems through innovative and sustainable enterprises

VicHealth is on a mission to transform food systems and create a fairer, healthier and more circular food landscape in Victoria. Through our 10-year strategy, we're dedicated to fostering local food systems that provide better access to healthy, fresh food for all Victorians while promoting business success, collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity within the food systems sector.

To do this, we need to create sustainable and impactful business models that support food enterprises to thrive, no matter their role in the system. That’s why we’re launching Seeding Success – a training program cultivating sustainable food enterprises. We’re looking for up to 20 food enterprises across Victoria to join a 4-month program, giving participants access to coaching, mentoring, and guidance from industry experts at The Difference Incubator (TDi) and STREAT founder Bec Scott. 

Building knowledge and skills

Successful applicants will receive personalised coaching sessions and take part in online workshops networking opportunities with like-minded leaders in the food system sector. They’ll gain the skills and confidence to create sustainable and impactful business models to help their organisations succeed.  

Leveraging past success

Over the past two years, VicHealth has teamed up with TDi and STREAT to create a similar business program for our 7 Future Healthy Food Hubs. This program has helped them overcome challenges in building successful food social enterprises. Feedback from participants has shown how valuable the support has been in refining their business ideas, tackling market obstacles, and building connections with others. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the program and found it exceedingly beneficial, especially for someone like myself who had never delved into the business aspects before.” 

“Being involved in the program has provided me with a better understanding of various aspects of running a business, such as financial management, marketing strategies, customer service, and operations.” 

What to expect from Seeding Success

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• Connect with fellow participants and program coaches.
• A commitment of 2-4 hours per week during the program, including a 1:1 coaching session and 13 online sessions which will cover: 
  1. Critically assessing your business model, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and growth opportunities.
  2. Developing a roadmap for financial sustainability, focusing on key cost and revenue drivers.
  3. Enhancing your leadership skills and emotional well-being to navigate challenges effectively.
  4. Showcasing your enterprise to potential funders, partners, and the wider food systems community

Please note there is no funding associated with Seeding Success, however, participation for successful applicants will be free. 

Who Should Apply

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Seeding Success is ideal for leaders of enterprises or organisations based in Victoria with a passion for improving the health, sustainability and equity of the food system. Whether you run a food social enterprise, food hub or not-for-profit food organisation that trades, we encourage you to apply. Both established organisations and emerging enterprises are welcome, including those aspiring to become registered social enterprises.

Please keep in mind that this opportunity isn't the best fit for individuals or organisations focusing purely on food relief. Future Healthy Food Hubs with existing VicHealth-funded support from TDi and STREAT are also ineligible. 

Got a question? Send us an email at [email protected]

Applications close Monday 1st July at 10am.