We’re offering new vendors the opportunity to kick-start their businesses by selling at a farmers’ market in 2025.

About The Taking Root Program

The Taking Root Program provides support and resources for BIPOC and/or newcomer entrepreneurs to kick-start selling at the farmers’ market and to build successful businesses through a three-month trial period. Our goal is to facilitate more equitable access to becoming a farmers’ market vendor and business owner, which in turn will create more welcoming and supportive farmers’ markets and a better food system for all community members.

Program Benefits

Farmers’ markets offer an ideal setting for many new businesses to test their products and build a customer base. Program participants will receive the support they need to prepare for the market including up to $1,000 of financial support and access to a free table at a farmers’ market in their area for three months. Other benefits include mentorship with an experienced vendor, promotion on social media, and one-on-one support from a market manager.

Is the program for me?

  • Do you identify as BIPOC and/or a newcomer to Canada?
  • Do you sell products that are made, baked, or grown in Nova Scotia, or products that are made with ingredients from Nova Scotia?
  • Are you able to commit to selling regularly at a farmers’ market for three months?
  • Would you be ready to start selling in two months or less?
  • Will the opportunity to test your products and grow your customer base at the farmers’ market help you launch your business?

Upcoming Webinar: How to Start & Grow Your Business at a Farmers’ Market

  • With Alison Lynes, Market Manager Extraordinaire & Vendor Guidebook Author 
  • We’ll cover what to do before you start at a farmers’ market, how to set up your market booth for success, and how to invest in your customer base and scale up your existing market business.
  • Presenter Bio:Alison Lynes has been working at the intersection of agriculture, business development and community building for over a decade working collaboratively with forward-thinking organizations to build vibrant and healthy communities and support Nova Scotia’s regional foodshed.
  • Online via Zoom on April 29, 2025 @ 10:00 – 11:30AM AT
  • Cost: By donation
  • Register here!