A new community-driven initiative is set to empower local makers, growers, and producers as they bring their products to market. The Go To Market Incubator Program has officially launched, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the practical tools, training, and real-world experience needed to successfully enter and grow through farmers’ markets and festivals.
Farmers’ markets and festivals are often the first sales channel for small businesses. However, without proper preparation, entrepreneurs can face financial risk, regulatory challenges, and burnout. The Go To Market Incubator Program addresses these barriers through experiential learning, allowing participants to test, refine, and strengthen their products in live market environments.
The program equips entrepreneurs with the skills to:
Make informed business decisions
Understand the true cost of market participation
Price products for profit and sustainable growth
Navigate permits, insurance, and regulatory requirements
Plan inventory and operations effectively
Build strong customer experiences
Scale from pop-ups to e-commerce or storefront models
Who Should Apply
The program is designed for individuals who:
Are launching a new product in food, beverage, artisanal goods, home décor, fashion and accessories, or personal care and wellness
Plan to use farmers’ markets and/or festivals in the London region as a market entry point
Face barriers to entering the business ecosystem, including newcomers, visible minorities, and racialized entrepreneurs
Farmers’ markets and festival placements will be selected in collaboration with a business advisor.
Program Highlights
Participants will benefit from a comprehensive support model that includes:
In-Person Workshops
Held every Monday from April 6 to May 11, 2026 (1–4 p.m.), workshops will cover:
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
One-on-One Coaching
Ongoing personalized support from a business advisor.
Peer Networking Meet-Ups
Opportunities to connect and collaborate from June to October 2026.
Shared-Cost Vendor Access
Financial assistance ranging from $400–$800 per participant to help offset vendor space and signage costs.
Workshops will take place at the London Small Business Centre, 900 King Street, London, ON.
Critical Dates
Applications: Open now and will close once all seats are filled
Workshop Dates: April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Go To Market Incubator Program represents a significant step toward building a more inclusive and vibrant local economy by reducing barriers and creating pathways for entrepreneurs to succeed.
For more information or to apply, interested participants are encouraged to contact the London Small Business Centre.
