OUR COMMUNITY
Since our launch in 2019, we have had the opportunity to work with over 45 food entrepreneurs at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Some of these entrepreneurs have launched their own brick and mortar restaurants. Some have decided to opt out of the food business and pursue other opportunities.
Our organization’s work is, at its core, to nourish entrepreneurs as they direct their own journeys with the belief that they will, in turn, build an enterprise that has a transformative impact on our entire community.
This is why COOK-UP exists – to nourish the entrepreneurial drive of women who, in sharing their passion for cooking, also offer their stories, their histories, and are better able to contribute to building a vibrant community and economy.
COOK-UP is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to nourishing early-stage food entrepreneurs, primarily from marginalized communities, to launch and scale businesses that have a transformative impact on our communities.
Entrepreneurs from marginalized communities face disproportionately higher barriers to entry into the market. COOK-UP works to address these barriers by unlocking the potential of talented entrepreneurs to contribute to their communities.
Our vision is to build an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports the needs of entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, including women, linguistic minorities, the LGBTQI community and the newcomer and immigrant communities. We strive to build successful food businesses and foster economic stability, improve food access, create jobs and strengthen our local food system.
OUR ENTREPRENEURS
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WHAT OUR ENTREPENEURS SAYING
I wanted to be an entrepreneur for past few years. I had many wonderful ideas which someone or the other turned into successful business. When I decided to start a small business and searching for an affordable commercial kitchen, I ran into COOK-UP. I joined their first cohort in few days. I still couldn’t believe that we launched our business with all processes in place and been to two events already in just under 3 months. By the way, I work full time as well. Everyone at COOKUP literally hand-hold you in every step of the process. They are the most amazing people and wonderful friends forever!
-Viji - Owner of IYAL
FUNDING PARTNERS
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COOK-UP is supported by the Government of Canada’s Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative and the Tropicana Community Services.