caterToronto Membership Program
**Currently on pause**
The caterToronto Membership Program is an ongoing initiative created exclusively for emergent or established food entrepreneurs that offers space, support, and opportunities to grow and sustain their business. Along with a supportive community of people in the business of food, you’ll have access to tailored training events, discounts, and benefits.
For the initial application period (June 14 - July 1, 2024), we are providing a one-time introductory offer: a 50% discount on our membership plans until July 1, 2024. After July 1st, applications will continue to be accepted at the regular price until August 1st.
What are the benefits of membership?
🗹 Special Opportunities:
- Priority to sign-up to join caterToronto's Catering Roster - our group of local caterers that fulfill client orders + special requests Applications open Fall 2024!
- Sign-up to rent a preferred kitchen with one of our caterToronto Kitchens Network Partners. *Subject to availability. Applications open in August 2024!
- Take advantage of 15% off at event venues working with caterToronto, including xyza our social enterprise Tea House in the east end; there’s a space (and we probably already know it!) for conducting memorable meetings to medium-sized markets indoors or outside. 4 hours minimum. *Must fill out an application and be approved.
🗹 Learn & Grow:
- Invites to workshops about Better Food Work + “Tuesday Treat(ment)s” - wellness days with/for food industry folks
- Participate in experiential training or job shadowing opportunities.
- Learn from experienced food industry pals, professionals, & partners. They'll share in “Ask Me Anything (AMA)” format.
🗹 Community Connections:
- Gain valuable insights + active support through a peer network.. don’t do it alone!
- Join the virtual member group chat for quick questions and to hash-out answers that will last in the long run.
- Receive early bird notice about any paid job and volunteer opportunities with caterToronto
- Showcase your business with a featured profile on our social media and website.
🗹 Stay Informed:
- Receive a monthly membership newsletter with valuable tips, community resources for food entrepreneurs, updates, events, workshops, and any community offerings happening as well as relevant news about funding opportunities and policy changes impacting the industry.
🗹 Discounts & Perks:
- Receive special news and ticket giveaways for sporting events, art productions, industry talks, and networking socials.
- Enjoy 15% off menu and products at our forthcoming east end Tea House, xyza. *Available mid September 2024
🗹 Consulting Support:
- caterToronto is happy to offer a 15% discount to members on consulting services. This might be of interest if you're looking to talk about things like growth, pricing, sustainability, funding, building capacity, or a general exploratory session.
For the initial application period (June 14 - July 1, 2024), we are providing a one-time introductory offer: a 50% discount on our membership plans until July 1, 2024. After July 1st, applications will continue to be accepted at the regular price until August 1st.
The Membership Program is an ongoing initiative of caterToronto, created exclusively for emergent and established food entrepreneurs that offers space, support, and opportunities to grow and sustain their businesses. It is offered to an 8-12 person cohort, twice per year, and available at- or below-cost for IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour), newcomer, and genderqueer, 2SLGBTQ+ people as the sole proprietor or majority owner of their yet-to-formalize or incorporated their business.
caterToronto membership is for people who are:
- Self-identified IBPOC women, genderqueer, 2SLGBTQ+ people, newcomer, and/or belonging to another equity-deserving group residing in the Greater Toronto Area.
- Already actively involved in an emergent or established food business, including
- Food makers (You need a kitchen to do your work! Ex. Pop-up chefs, Makers of Consumer Packaged Goods, Caterers, Farmers Market & Festival Vendors, Recipe Developers, etc
- Food boosters (Food is a big part of your business but you're not hands on in the kitchen. Ex. Photographers, Event Planners, Influencers, Consultants, Social Media Managers, etc.)
- Able to commit to cohort participation for at least 6 months. Afterwards, cohort alumni may maintain membership for a minimum of 3 months at a time.
- Seeking to become involved in a supportive network with which to learn and grow the fiscal and ecological sustainability of their respective food businesses
- Struggling to access opportunities and benefits that are rarely known or available to micro and small businesses at any stage
- First, it's recommended to sign-up to attend one of our Membership Info Sessions, which you can do here.
- The link for the application will be open (on our website) on Friday June 14, 2024. A one time introductory offer of 50% off our membership plans will be offered until July 1, 2024. After July 1st, applications will remain open at the regular price until August 1, 2024.
- There is an application fee of $15 that is non-refundable and must be paid via e-transfer in order to confirm your application. An email confirmation will be sent to you once the e-transfer has been received. Please make the password “caterToronto” with a note that has your first and last name and “Membership Application Fee”. Please e-transfer to finance@catertoronto.ca .
- Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation to schedule a 15-20 minute virtual interview. A decision will be made 6-8 days after your interview.
- Successful applicants will receive an email notice if you are accepted into the Membership Program
- Accepted applicants will receive a welcome package via email with all the information about programming, onboarding materials including a membership agreement and instructions.
Membership plans start at 6 months. Afterwards, alumni may maintain membership for a minimum of 3 months at a time.
From the outset, even before required cohort participation, you may choose to sign-up for a period longer than 6-months to take advantage of reduced rates available for longer commitment periods, e.g. 9 months and 12 months.
Although members are not required to take advantage of everything caterToronto offers through its membership program, the benefits multiply for all - individuals and the network - when there is ongoing engagement.
Members are required to attend at least 3 programmed events/ workshops during the 6 months. We want you to make the most of your membership and that includes engaging with the educational content and your entrepreneurial community.
The initial application period will be June 14 - July 1, 2024. For the initial application period, we are providing a one-time introductory offer: a 50% discount on our membership plans until July 1, 2024. After July 1st, applications will continue to be accepted at the regular price until August 1st.
The program officially begins September 2024 - Specific dates for cohort onboarding and workshop series coming soon!
We are pleased to offer a 6, 9, and 12 month membership option. After 6 months on a membership plan, you are able to switch over to a 3 month plan. You will have the option to indicate your preferred membership plan in the application. If accepted into the membership program you will be asked to make a payment for your monthly plan of choice in the application.
A one time introductory offer of 50% off our membership plans will be offered until July 1, 2024. After July 1st, applications will remain open at the regular price until August 1, 2024. See pricing below:
*Please note, the discount does not apply to the 3 month plan. All pricing is in CAD.
6 months = $780+tax ($130/month) . After discount $390+tax
9 months = $1062+tax ($118/month). After discount $531+tax
12 months = $1236+tax ($103/month). After discount $618+tax
Yes. If you would like to break up your payment, we are happy to offer the option to do 2 payments, which can be indicated on the application.
8-12 spots will be available in this cohort depending on the mix of selected candidates .
After 6 months of membership, you have the option to switch over to a 3 month membership plan that is $420+tax. (Further, for this cohort only you're getting 6 months for less than the price of 3!) The introductory discount does not apply to the 3 month plan.
No refunds are available after July 29, 2024. If you need to cancel or withdraw from the program after July 29, 2024 a formal request may be submitted with relevant documentation. Members may have the option to defer their membership to the next cohort at the discretion of caterToronto.
Applications are now closed
Yay! You made it all the way down here!
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this program.
- The caterToronto Team