Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) has applauded the efforts of three local food establishments for being named on the SEEDS OF CHANGE shortlist of only 15 businesses from across the nation.

Now in contention for winning a place in Mars’ SEEDS OF CHANGE coveted food business accelerator program are Central Coast enterprises: Activate Foods, Food to Nourish and Spiralz Fermented Foods.

RDACC CEO & Director Regional Development, John Mouland, said the fact we have three local businesses on this prestigious shortlist highlights the quality and innovation of our local food sector.

“We’re extremely proud to congratulate these three local businesses on being shortlisted for a place in this national initiative,” said Mr Mouland.

“With more than 200 businesses from around Australia applying to be a part of this popular program designed to help early stage food-focused businesses build a sustainable future by fast-tracking their growth, having three Central Coast businesses in the final 15 highlights the calibre and high level of innovation evident in our local food sector.”

Last month, RDACC in conjunction with Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC), proudly hosted a roadshow event at the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah Campus to promote the program to the Central Coast food community. The event attracted a full house of local food manufacturers, start-ups and innovators all seeking to be a part of the program.

Mr Mouland said RDACC is a strong supporter of the SEEDS OF CHANGE initiative as it supports key objectives to transform the Central Coast into an innovative and distinctive food destination.

“The SEEDS of CHANGE Accelerator is a fantastic initiative offering grants, tailored growth strategies, opportunities to learn from industry leaders and access to state-of-the-art facilities to help food-based businesses bring their ideas to life – all of which contributes to our goal of making the Central Coast a distinctive food innovation region,” added Mr Mouland.

“We have such a breadth of talent and innovation among our local food industry and we are so pleased that Mars, in partnership with Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL), recognises the calibre that exists within the Central Coast food sector.

“We sincerely wish all three shortlisted businesses — Activate Foods, Food to Nourish and Spiralz Fermented Foods – the very best of luck to gain a place in this impressive national initiative.”

This week, all 15 shortlisted businesses will deliver their pitch to the SEEDS OF CHANGE judging panel. Successful applicants will be invited to accept a place in the program, with winners announced by the end of August.