Chilliwack is looking for ways to expand its industrial base, and with the large agricultural sector in the Fraser Valley, food processing seems like a natural way to do this. 

Tana Plewes is looking for feedback about the idea for a business incubation centre for food processing and other agriculture-related businesses in Chilliwack. Contact her at  tana.plewes@southfraser.com

But in order for small companies to grow, they sometimes need a little “incubation,” or help in the form of advice, support, and facilities. The University College of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, and South Fraser Community Partners Development Corporation are working together to study the feasibility of establishing a business incubation centre for the food processing industry. 

“It’s a fact that bringing large companies to town isn’t the only way to help the economy grow,” says UCFV Dean of Trades and Technology Harv McCullough. “Supporting small local businesses as they grow also contributes to community prosperity. The incubation centre would do just that by providing space, commercial kitchen facilities, and expert advice to businesses starting out.” 

A study conducted by the three partners this spring indicated that there is a solid market for expanding in the food processing, agri-tourism, and value-added agriculture sectors in Chilliwack, and that the business incubation centre would help this process. 

Now, the partners want to do more in-depth research to ensure that the incubation centre would work. The Western Economic Diversification Fund is sponsoring this research, and Tana Plewes of South Fraser Community Futures is ready and eager to conduct one-on-one interviews with anyone interested in the project. 

This includes entrepreneurs who may make use of the facility, community leaders and business people who could provide general or specific support, and even opponents of the idea. 

“The market will drive the evolution of this incubation centre, in terms of size, location, configuration, staffing, and whether it happens at all,” said Plewes. “We’re continuing to gather focused, relevant information and solicit feedback from a wide variety of supporters and opponents.” 

Tana Plewes is an experienced entrepreneur who has achieved many ‘firsts’ through her work with industries in transition, labour market development, and enterprise development. She is an agent for collaboration, mutually beneficial partnership development, and continuous generation of new possibilities.  

She has started and operated five businesses, three of which she is still involved with today, and she is an active member of the National Business Incubation Association. 

Harv McCullough said UCFV has a keen interest in this project because it is part of the university college’s mandate to work with its communities to help spur economic growth, and because several UCFV programs, such as Cook Training, Agriculture, and Business Administration, could be involved in this initiative.

“The concept of an incubator was first identified as part of our agriculture sector strategy completed in 2000. Incubating value-added agriculture businesses was identified again in our 2003 strategy update," said Walter Dyck, chair of the Chilliwack Agricultural Commission. “We are pleased to be partnering with UCFV and South Fraser Community Futures to explore this further and determine whether or not we should proceed.” 

Herb Thiessen, South Fraser Community Futures general manager, acknowledged the support of the Western Economic Diversification fund. 

“If it weren't for the support of Western Economic Diversification (WD) these types of initiatives would not be possible. We appreciate that WD continues to support innovative agricultural initiatives in our community,” he said.   

Anyone with an interest in finding out more or providing feedback about the proposed incubation centre is invited to contact Tana Plewes at 604-824-1210 or tana.plewes@southfraser.com 

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