Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in local food, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Gray-Grant, the founder of BCLocalRoot.ca and Good to Grow, a grocery platform and local food coaching in Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
At Good to Grow, we teach, coach and connect local food brands to launch or grow their products into multiple market channels. BCLocalRoot.ca is an online grocery platform that sells those products. At BCLocalRoot.ca we sell ONLY products grown, made or packed in BC. Our customers care about supporting their community by buying local, and creating a more sustainable food system that is more prosperous and food secure for our province.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?
I have been in the food industry for 27 years - always in food manufacturing working for iconic brands like, Yves Veggie Cuisine, Nature's Path, Rice Dream and Happy Planet. I opened my own manufacturing company and packed my own products as well as many local brands for five years and the business ultimately failed (that is a story for another time...it's a dramatic one. lol.) I went on to coach and teach local food brands what NOT to do when growing and ten years later, here I am.
During the pandemic, we saw incredible devastation with our local food producers and processors who were heavily invested in selling their products to restaurants. Many lost almost their entire businesses with one week. We had to do something so in 2.5 weeks we got a site up and running to carry their products and other local staples and began BCLocalRoot.ca - with the support of Vancity. It was meant to be a 16-week pilot program that turned into a permanent site hosting over a 100 brands and about 700 products.
I know first hand how hard it is to be a food processor and knowing that I get up in the morning to help these folks each and every day - through coaching, teaching or connecting them to buyers through our events --it is enormously fulfilling work!
As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
That's an interesting question, because I never think about my work like that. I feel like there is always so much more I could be doing and I see this whole experience as a journey and not a destination. I guess probably my biggest dream realized to date is creating the From the Ground Up Conference and Trade Show. I had an outline for 5 years before it actually happened. BCLocalRoot.ca is another - but it wasn't something I had even thought about - it was just a reaction to what folks needed badly.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
It's lonely. At the end of the day, you are the one who pays the bills, makes the difficult decisions and has to steer the ship 24/7. Sometimes it's hard to find time for yourself, but it is so very necessary. Solo vacations are incredibly important! You get your creativity back and it helps fuel your reason(s) to keep going!
I would say being emotionally connected to your business is challenging at times because when you reach periods of adversity you feel the stress that much deeper. Also, being responsible for the livelihood of your employees. I want my team to flourish and sometimes that weight on your shoulders can be incredibly heavy.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
1. Don't avoid making a business plan - no plan means no path and even more importantly no set intention.
2. Research what you want to do before spending a lot of money - and if you are not a financial person - find a financial mentor. They will help you validate your plan and also help you understand the importance of cashflow!
3. You have to be resilient in business - challenges happen every single day and as you grow it can seem the challenges get greater. It can be really tough when you are in growth, but as I said before, finding time for yourself to be alone and quiet will absolutely help bring clarity when things feel overwhelming.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Although being a business owner is hard, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It has made me focus more and building a purpose-based business has brought me so much joy over the past 10 years.
Where can people find you online?
https://goodtogrowproducts.com/
https://bclocalroot.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/bclocalroot.ca/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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