Success Stories

In 2018, Catherine Ferrar, owner of Our Kitchen Brantford (OKB) received a pivotal grant that set the stage for the thriving business she celebrates today. Marking seven years of successful operation, Catherine's journey has been one of resilience, growth, and community impact.

The grant provided Catherine with the necessary resources to invest in critical kitchen equipment, enhancing her ability to serve clients and expand her offerings. She credits much of her success to the invaluable courses and support she received through the BRC. This assistance played a key role in her business's growth, particularly through the process of incorporating her company and connecting her to mentors, resources, and professionals across the city. The BRC’s expertise in marketing, pricing strategies, business planning, and connecting her to the right legal and accounting professionals helped Catherine navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Of course, the road to success wasn’t without its hurdles. OKB faced several challenges, including a year-long wait for equipment and construction completion. The business was also deeply impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted many of the in-person events and gatherings where Catherine had been showcasing her food. However, her determination and adaptability allowed her to pivot quickly. She developed a food shop that featured her members’ products, creating a new and immediate market for local food entrepreneurs.

Despite these setbacks, Catherine and OKB have achieved remarkable success. Many of her members have gone on to open their own brick-and-mortar locations, with OKB currently supporting 25 local food businesses. Beyond business growth, Catherine’s commitment to the community shines through her partnerships with organizations to cater events, provide meals for seniors, and contribute to children’s programs.

Catherine’s entrepreneurial journey is filled with invaluable lessons, and she shares some advice for aspiring business owners: "Invest in legal services to navigate contracts and negotiations, regularly review your costs, and take the initiative to market your product. A solid business plan is crucial— but be open to adjusting it as needed. Always have a Plan B and C. Be charitable with your profits but only give what you can afford. Most importantly, don’t give up on your dream— just keep planning, planning, and planning."

Catherine’s unwavering passion and commitment to her vision are a testament to the power of perseverance and thoughtful planning. We look forward to the continued success of OKB and the positive impact Catherine will undoubtedly continue to make in her community.

To learn more about Our Kitchen Brantford, visit ourkitchenbrantford.ca or following them on Facebook and Instagram.

Terra Wilton, the founder of the beloved Brantford Bagel, participated in the BRC’s grant program in 2021, embarking on a transformative journey that would shape the future of her business.
Like many small business owners, Terra initially found the task of writing a business plan daunting and overwhelming. However, with the BRC’s guidance and mentorship, she credits their support as a game-changer in her business’s long-term success.

Following the successful receipt of the Summer Company Grant Program, Terra leveraged the resources available to her during and after the grant process. This support proved invaluable, especially as she transitioned to a brick-and-mortar storefront in the challenging post-COVID landscape. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the economy, Terra remained committed to her entrepreneurial dreams.

Through the BRC’s mentorship, Terra gained the confidence and expertise needed to take a significant step forward expanding from a commercial kitchen to her very own storefront. She also invested in key equipment that propelled her business to new heights.

Fast forward to today, and Terra is celebrating the third anniversary of From Scratch, a thriving downtown Brantford restaurant where she’s partnered with a professional chef to offer fresh, never frozen meals. With a unique rotating menu, customers eagerly anticipate each new creation, making From Scratch a standout in the local dining scene.
Terra’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful – “Take the leap and follow your dreams, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.” She emphasized the importance of sticking to your business plan, adjusting it as needed, and securing a reliable accountant from the start to ensure your financials stay in order. Above all, Terra advises new business owners to surround themselves with a supportive and trustworthy network—a strong team can make all the difference.

To learn more about From Scratch, visit fromscratchcafebistro.com, or following them on Facebook and Instagram.