Image 1. Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator in Leduc, Alberta
Image 2. Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator expansion in progress
Image 3. Tenant processing in an incubator suite
Overview
The Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator (APBI) is a multi-tenant facility that provides infrastructure and services to support the establishment and growth of food processing business ventures in Alberta. The APBI meets federal food-regulation requirements, enabling tenant companies to market their products nationally and internationally.
The purpose of the APBI facility is to:
- assist with the startup of new food businesses
- provide a centre of excellence for agrivalue venture growth
- attract product and process development initiatives of established food industry companies to Alberta
APBI Expansion
Increasing Alberta’s value-added processing capacity through expansion of the APBI provides Alberta industry with additional processing infrastructure to support growth. After 5 years of investigation and design work, construction of the 2,300 m2 expansion began in late winter 2021. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2023. Applications are being accepted.
Services
Facilities and programs at APBI help food business ventures to manage the transition from new product development through:
- commercialization
- market launch
- growth in sales
- graduation and the establishment of their own facilities
APBI assists food manufacturers with:
- new product and process development to expand product lines
- refinement, testing and manufacturing of market entry product volumes
The APBI offers:
- in suite processing and storage space
- common storage areas
- common shipping receiving docks and pallet moving equipment
- common welfare facilities
- access to office space and services
To apply, complete the Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator - Application for Lease Space form, save it to your computer and email it to [email protected].
Entrance and exit criteria
The APBI is a Government of Alberta facility and operates in a business-like manner. Companies wishing to be admitted as tenants will be selected based on business plan strength and the venture's likelihood of commercial establishment and growth.
The incubator’s purpose is to:
- assist companies as they establish a market presence
- provide serviced facilities to develop and refine production techniques
- share experiences with other entrepreneurs
- take advantage of economies from sharing services and facilities
The Food and Bio Processing Branch’s business development unit can also provide business and marketing advice. Also, contact can be arranged with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation personnel to provide information on loan programs. Legal, accounting and transportation firms willing to provide advisory services to Incubator tenants can also be arranged.
The incubator is managed and operated by the Food and Bio Processing Branch. The facility is federally licensed with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and regulatory compliance is required by all incubator tenants. Branch management is responsible for ensuring that tenants comply with these regulations.
In addition to an acceptable business plan, applicants must also demonstrate financial resources to supply and install process equipment, manufacture and ship product, and pay accounts while waiting for receivables to be cleared. Applicants may be requested to provide authorization for a credit review.
Criteria for acceptance
Applicants:
- must have a comprehensive business and marketing plan in place available for review
- must be capable of meeting and ensuring compliance with all CFIA regulations
- must have HACCP plans in place prior to initial production
- must have adequate resources to pay rent, wages, supplies and overhead
- must have a plan for graduating from the Incubator at the end of the lease agreement
- should show capacity for managerial competence
- should be open to coaching
- should demonstrate a need for incubation services
- should have space and utility requirements compatible with incubator capacity
Lease terms and exit criteria
The desired outcome from APBI is a steady influx of promising client companies and a steady outflow of successful graduates.
A typical lease contract is a 3-year contract with 2, 1-year renewals. During the incubation period, the tenant has access to branch's Business Development Officers (BDO's). BDO's provide business development coaching and assist with identifying programs, services, resources and connections to help grow and expand your business.
- Connect with a Business Development Officer
At the end of the lease term, tenant companies typically find more permanent arrangements in line with their future growth plans. Tenant owned equipment is to be removed from the Incubator facility within 30 days of the expiration of the lease agreement. Any alternations made to the suite by the tenant will require repair and the suite must be returned to it's original state.
Fee schedule
Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator: lease, service and vacancy
Table 1. Leased space fees, fixed service fees, total fees (leased space, plus fixed service), and vacancy status
| Suite | Useable area | Year 1 and 2: 85% | Year 3: 100% | Fixed service fees | Total fees Year 1 and 2 | Total fees Year 3 | Status: June 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 500 m2 | $117,600 | $137,200 | $30,000 | $147,600 | $167,200 | Occupied |
| B | 500 m2 | $117,600 | $137,200 | $30,000 | $147,600 | $167,200 | Occupied |
| C | 500 m2 | $117,600 | $137,200 | $30,000 | $147,600 | $167,200 | Vacant |
| D | 500 m2 | $117,600 | $137,200 | $30,000 | $147,600 | $167,200 | Occupied |
| E | 350 m2 | $84,000 | $98,000 | $21,300 | $105,300 | $119,300 | Occupied |
| F | 350 m2 | $84,000 | $98,000 | $21,300 | $105,300 | $119,300 | Occupied |
| G/H | 335 m2 | $80,160 | $93,500 | $20,400 | $100,560 | $113,900 | Under construction |
| I | 500 m2 | $117,600 | $137,200 | $30,000 | $147,600 | $167,200 | Under construction |
| J | 500 m2 | $117,600 | $137,200 | $30,000 | $147,600 | $167,200 | Under construction |
| K | 500 m2 | $117,600 | $137,200 | $30,000 | $147,600 | $167,200 | Under construction |
Start Up Visa (SUV) inquiries
The Food Processing Development Centre (FPDC) and Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator (APBI) engage with clients and tenants in the development of food products, food manufacturing processes, pilot plant development, interim processing and food processing business incubation. In addition, the facilities are considered a 'designated incubator' under the SUV program with the Government of Canada.
We may choose to certify those for SUV consideration provided they have already qualified for one of the programs offered at the FPDC and APBI. We do not consider ourselves as a means to get a SUV. Rather, we utilize our status as a designated incubator to assist our clients and tenants with projects related to food manufacturing.
For more information, email: [email protected].
Contact
Connect with the Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-980-4244
Fax: 780-980-4250
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Ken Gossen, Executive Director
Phone: 780-980-4860
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Dan Graham, Operations Director
Phone: 780-980-4866
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator
4301 65 Avenue
Leduc, Alberta T9E 8T2
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