PROGRAMS

Go To Market Incubator Program

A community-driven initiative celebrating and supporting local makers, growers, and producers

Incubator Program

Farmers’ markets and festivals are often the first real sales channel for new businesses — but without preparation, entrepreneurs face financial risk, compliance challenges, and burnout.

The Go To Market Incubator Program introduces and equips participants with practical knowledge and provides the essential skills and guidance needed to launch and grow a business in this manner. It is an experiential program where entrepreneurs test, learn, and refine their products in real-world market settings.

Our Programs

The program supports entrepreneurs to:

Make informed decisions
Understand the true cost of market participation
Price products for profit and growth
Navigate permits, insurance, and regulations
Plan inventory and operations
Build strong customer experiences
Scaling from pop-ups to e-commerce or storefront models

Who is this program for?

Individuals who:

✅Are starting a business and looking to introduce and test a new product (food, beverage, artisanal, home decor, fashion & accessories, personal care & wellness)
✅Intend to use farmers’ markets and/or festivals in the London region* as a market entry point
✅Face barriers entering the business ecosystem, including newcomers, visible minorities, and racialized persons

*The selection of farmers’ markets and festivals will be reviewed in collaboration with a business advisor.

What to expect?

Training, Coaching & Networking

1. In-person workshops on:

Every Monday from April 6th to May 11th, from 1-4 pm

Market-entry strategy and business model validation
Brand development and signage
Customer engagement and selling techniques
Financial literacy, pricing, budgeting, and cash flow management
Regulatory and market compliance
Scaling from pop-ups to e-commerce or storefront models

2. One-on-one coaching with a business advisor

Ongoing.

3. Peer Networking meet-ups

June-October 2026.

4. Shared cost access to vendor spaces, and assistance with signage
Financial assistance will vary based on the number of participants ($400-$800 per participant).

Critical Dates

Application deadline: applications will close once all seats are filled
In-person workshops: April 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and May 4th, 11th, 2026
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm

Location: London Small Business Centre – 900 King Street, London, ON

Apply now