The Dock+, Port Alberni’s local food hub, is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive market analysis survey as part of its efforts to update its business plan. This important initiative aims to gather timely and relevant data to support local food entrepreneurs and ensure the continued success of the organization.
What is a Food Hub?
Food hubs like The Dock+ are shared-use food and beverage processing facilities that provide food and agriculture businesses with access to commercial processing space and equipment. These hubs also offer expertise and resources to support business development, fostering a supportive environment for the local food sector.
The Dock+ currently serves numerous businesses across the region, offering services and infrastructure to support a wide variety of products—from seafood to sauces.
“Working with The Dock+ enabled my business to grow as quickly as the demand for my product has. Living rurally, amenities, business support and assistance can be challenging. Many factors can arise that throw wrenches into the system. The people and resources at The Dock+ have provided stability for my growing business through so many storms. My business would not be where it is today without The Dock+ .” – Lise Richard, Tofino Hot Sauce
Why Participation Matters
Participation in the market analysis survey is an opportunity for local food producers and the broader community to contribute valuable insights that will guide the future direction of The Dock+. By supporting local food entrepreneurs, food hubs contribute to economic development in the region, nurture the growth of local businesses, and facilitate job creation.
Dock+ Prize Pack Giveaway
As a thank you to survey participants, The Dock+ is offering a chance to win an incredible Dock+ Prize Pack valued at $650! The prize includes:
- 2 Floor Seats to Our Lady Peace and Collective Soul on February 24, 2025, in Victoria, BC
- 2-night stay in a cabin at China Creek Campground
- A selection of local treats, including Forest For Dinner Wild Blueberry Jelly, Dried Spruce Tips, Wild Spice Sea Salt, Nootka Rose Sugar; Eat Canadian Seafood $50 Gift Card; Black Jaguar Chocolate Hot Chocolate; Old Habits Fermentation 4-Year Roe Herring Fish Sauce; Thunderbird Spirit Water; and Tofino Hot Sauce.
The survey is open from November 22nd to December 16th, 2024. Community members can participate by visiting bit.ly/FoodHubPortAlberniSurvey
About the BC Food Hub Network
The Dock+ is part of the BC Food Hub Network, an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to support small-scale food processors and strengthen local food systems. The network includes multiple food hub locations across the province, all with the shared vision of creating an environment where food hubs can serve as thriving catalysts for food innovation and entrepreneurship.
