The Good Food Boost programme gives Wellington's best up and coming food businesses the chance to win mentoring with local industry legends, promotional opportunities, support to be fully sustainable and prizes to help their business.
The winners are selected for their potential to successfully promote ‘good food’ across the region – including a focus on healthy, nutritious food that contributes to local economies, reduces waste, and helps protect and restore the environment.
The Wellington City Council initiative, run in partnership with The Sustainable Business Network (SBN), launched today, and applications are open for businesses who think they can cut the mustard!
The mentors are Matt Morrison (Co-Founder of All Good and Karma Cola), Kelda Hains (Restaurateur for Rita), Teva Stewart (Merchandise Manager, Commonsense), and Bobby Lloyd (Co-founder of Reusabowl and Sustainability Consultant).
Judges are Beth Brash (Visa Wellington on a Plate), Nicky Solomon (Business Development Manager, Food Innovation Network), Teva Stewart, and Wellington City Councillor Laurie Foon.
Councillor Foon has been involved with the Good Food Boost as Wellington Manager for the Sustainable Business Network since the programme’s inception four years ago, and now as a Councillor and judge she is committed to supporting and sharing knowledge with any businesses wanting to balance its impact on communities and the environment.
“I am a strong advocate of working together to achieve a zero carbon and zero waste future. My vision is for Wellington to be the ‘coolest little sustainable capital in the world’ – and this initiative is a great step in the right direction. Supporting our local businesses with initiatives like this is also more important now than ever.”
Mayor Andy Foster says the programme has grown with the consumer’s desire for more sustainable living.
“Wellington’s reputation as the foodie capital of New Zealand is enhanced by initiatives like this, by supporting innovation, sustainability, creativity, and diversity in the culinary industry. In return, the capital benefits from the many positives that stem from it including a positive impact on the environment, tourism, and the economy.”
Previous winner testimonials:
Creative Cooking: “This mentoring programme was fantastic to be involved in, it helped me to focus the business and gave me confidence to set goals and achieve them. It was a brilliant team experience between all four businesses and mentors, learning and supporting each other.”
Esthers: “The Good Food Boost was invaluable to me and my business. I learnt what important aspects of the business I needed to concentrate on, made good connections with other producers and had a space where I could discuss issues and problems. I now see things in a different light and I’m so grateful for the opportunity!”
Half Baked: “The Good Food Boost was such an awesome experience! It helped our business to grow and move forward in so many ways, also it was really cool getting to know Laurie, all of the mentors and other small business owners, we would definitely recommend it.”
Wellington Honey: “This programme was incredibly beneficial for my small business. It really makes you look at your business from the inside out as well as connecting you to a myriad of insightful people. Your business will become a better oiled machine after going through this programme!”
Get involved by nominating a new food business or apply now for the mentorship programme if you're a good food business needing a boost. It's free to enter and applications close on 28 June.