REAL Assist Mentorship Program
The REAL Assist Mentorship Program offers reliable, expert business assistance to local food and farm social enterprises. The program provides you with the guidance and support you need to fulfill your business goals and social mission. Technical hands-on assistance is available to any food or farm business in Ontario who is dedicated to making a positive social, environmental or economic impact.
Program Details
As a REAL Assist client, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Receive one-on-one support from an advisor with decades of experience in food and farming
Gain knowledge, tools and resources tailored to your specific needs
Build confidence to grow your business
Navigate challenges typically faced by social entrepreneurs
Join a community with common goals and values
10 +
Over 10 food and farm social enterprises supported through the REAL Assist program.
20 +
Over 20 REAL Assist Advisors with expertise in agriculture, agri-food and food.
300 +
Over 300 hours of mentorship provided to helping local food and farm businesses grow and thrive.
Areas of Expertise and Support
The program offers a wide range of expertise and areas of support. Each advisor is actively present in the local food and farm sector, and has business and sub-sector experience. During the initial consultation, we’ll determine the advisor best fit for your needs.
Sector Support
Agriculture and Farming
Market Gardening
Hollistic Livestock
Soil Health
Food Processing
Food Service
Food Distribution
Business Support
Business Planning
Financial Management
Brand Development
Marketing and Communications
Governance and Legal
Co-operative Development
Market Research
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
Split Rail Brewing Manitoulin Island, Ontario
"We have engaged the services of the Fair Finance Fund's mentorship program, and they have provided ample support in a variety of ways. They have led us in a visioning session - taking the time to listen to our management and staff, understand the business's operations, and provide individualized coaching to develop different strategies. Overall, the team has brought great business sense to our operations that will benefit us for many years to come."
REAL Assist Advisors
Meet some of our REAL Assist Advisors. They are eager to educate and are passionate about supporting local food and farm social enterprises. Please note that our full list of advisors is not listed below. If you are looking for mentorship for a specific need, please contact us.
Interested in the REAL Assist Program?
Our team is ready to get you started! Fill out the form with your contact information and our Program Coordinator will be in touch within 2 - 3 business days.