Cedar Farmers Market Unveils Business Incubator Program "Hatch + Hype"
Embracing Innovation: Cedar Farmers Market Partners with BC Association of Farmers' Markets and Island Savings Credit Union
**MEDIA RELEASE** *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Nanaimo, BC – (July 27, 2023) – The Cedar Farmers Market, a non-profit agricultural society serving our community since 1996, is thrilled to announce the launch of the “Hatch + Hype” program. In partnership with Island Savings Credit Union and the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, this innovative incubator program will debut at our market during the summer of 2023.
As a cherished community hub, the Cedar Farmers Market is dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs and celebrating the bountiful offerings of our region’s food and farm products. Through the Hatch + Hype program, we are excited to provide a vibrant platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to test their products and ideas, engaging directly with our customers in a dedicated and inviting space.
“Hatch + Hype is a fantastic opportunity for new vendors to experience a low-cost, low-barrier entry into the market scene,” said Kate Poirier, the market’s executive director. “We are proud to offer a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to realize their business ideas, receive valuable feedback from our loyal patrons, and access resources like promotional materials, low-cost liability insurance, and educational support to foster their business growth.”
For our established vendors, Hatch + Hype serves as an exceptional avenue to promote new products, collaborations, and innovations within their existing market space. Leveraging the program’s promotional materials elevates business exposure, enticing more customers to explore and appreciate the diversity of offerings available at the Cedar Farmers Market.
“The Hatch + Hype program aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering community resilience and contributing to the growth of local economies,” added Poirier. “By supporting innovative and cutting-edge farm and food products, we aim to attract new shoppers to our market and showcase what’s fresh and exciting in the culinary and agricultural landscapes.”
At Cedar Farmers Market, we believe in the power of farmers’ markets as small business incubators and accelerators. Through Hatch + Hype, we forge stronger relationships with support networks across BC, empowering our vendors and nurturing a thriving market community.
The Hatch + Hype program welcomes participation from both new entrepreneurs and established vendors who are debuting new products or crops at member BC farmers’ markets. For more information on how to be a part of this enriching opportunity in Cedar, please contact kate@cedarfarmersmarket.org or visit https://cedarfarmersmarket.org/hatch-hype.
For information on how to find this program at other markets in British Columbia, please visit: https://bcfarmersmarket.org/for-markets-vendors/hatchandhype/.
About Cedar Farmers Market:
The Cedar Farmers Market has been a cornerstone of our community since 1996, connecting local farmers, producers, and artisans with loyal customers who appreciate fresh, locally grown or processed fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, nuts, fish, eggs, baked goods, specialty foods, herbs, flowers, plants, and artisan goods. Our market proudly showcases the creativity and abundance of our region, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere where relationships are nurtured, and connections are strengthened.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kate Poirier, Executive Director, Cedar Farmers Market, kate@cedarfarmersmarket.org
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