Female Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food Development, known as FEAD, was founded by the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre (Saskatchewan Food Centre) and is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). FEAD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and gender-nonconforming individuals in the food and agriculture industries across Canada. With a focus on providing tailored resources and opportunities, FEAD empowers these entrepreneurs to start, grow, and sustain their businesses.
Led by Executive Director Kendra Wack, FEAD is committed to helping its members navigate the unique challenges of the industry. “Our goal at FEAD is to support growth for founders and leaders in the agri-food industry with accessible and relevant resources, learning, and networking opportunities,” Wack explains. “We have a dream where agri-food leaders and food-based businesses feel confident and secure navigating the intricacies of our complex sector.”
FEAD’s comprehensive support system is designed to meet the diverse needs of its members. Through its free membership program, participants gain access to a wide array of benefits, including all FEAD events, four application-based accelerators, venture capital training, over 50 agri-food-focused webinars, instant-download worksheets, and more. Additionally, through its unique partnership with the Saskatchewan Food Centre, members can access technical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to support the growth of their agri-food businesses.
One of FEAD’s standout initiatives is the Sohkitehew Circle Program, which specifically addresses the unique barriers faced by Indigenous founders in the agri-food sector, providing them with personal and business growth support. This program is facilitated by Membership and Marketing Coordinator Lindsay Toth, who also hosts the Friends of FEADies Podcast. The Podcast highlights food entrepreneurs and the impact of their work. Programs and Operations Coordinator Nafisa Mahabub also plays a crucial role in FEAD’s mission by offering venture capital training as an Investor Q&A Certified Trainer through the Small Scale Food Processor Association (SSFPA). Toth and Mahabub’s work underscores FEAD’s commitment to inclusivity and tailored support, ensuring that all members, regardless of their background, have the tools they need to succeed.
Beyond education and training, FEAD is deeply committed to community engagement and social responsibility. The organization actively invests in the future of the food and agriculture industries through initiatives such as supporting Ag in the Classroom and Women’s Business Hub. By fostering a collaborative and supportive community, FEAD not only empowers individual entrepreneurs but also contributes to the broader growth of the agri-food sector across Canada.
