Feed Nova Scotia Backs Food Web with $25K to Empower Local Food Entrepreneurs and Kitchen Owners through Credit Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HALIFAX, NS (October 26, 2026) –

When growing his baking business after six years as a chef, Justin Andrews faced a common hurdle for food entrepreneurs: finding an affordable, licensed commercial kitchen. Today, as CEO of Food Web, Justin helps others overcome that same challenge through an Airbnb-style platform that connects food entrepreneurs with underutilized commercial kitchens, giving startups access to essential production space while creating new rental income for kitchen owners.

Encouraged by early traction on the platform, Feed Nova Scotia is backing Food Web with a $25,000 grant to deploy a Kitchen Credit Program, offering Nova Scotia-based food entrepreneurs up to $1,500 in non-repayable funding towards licensed commercial kitchen rentals.

“Food entrepreneurs face significant financial pressure when first starting their business, before they get a chance to build their customer base. These credits relieve some of that pressure while also guaranteeing commercial kitchens extra income for their idle hours.”

The Kitchen Credit Program is administered through the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) and includes a $15,000 pool of credits for eligible food entrepreneurs. Applications are open, with credits awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility. There is no cost to apply.

“Shared kitchens connect entrepreneurs who need somewhere to start with restaurants looking for additional income. For an owner working with tight margins, renting available kitchen time can help support their business while giving another local business a chance to grow.”

Idle kitchens, local entrepreneurs

Food Web's platform creates an opportunity for commercial kitchen owners, including restaurants, cafés, community organizations, and religious groups. The Multicultural Association of Unama'ki-Cape Breton operates Whale House, a pop-up bistro that includes a commercial kitchen. At Whale House, renting available kitchen time connects an existing venue with local entrepreneurs who need somewhere to prepare food.

“We created Whale House to give local food entrepreneurs a place to get started and bring diverse cuisine to Sydney. Food Web's kitchen credits help them cover rental costs and bring their food to market. That income also helps us sustain a space where people can build businesses and share their culture through food.”

From recipes to market: The Pierogi Girls

For an early-stage food business, finding an affordable place to prepare products can be a significant hurdle. The program helps reduce that expense by applying credits directly to qualifying kitchen bookings through Food Web.

Whale House introduced Cape Breton-based The Pierogi Girls to Food Web. For the small business, renting kitchen space through the platform has helped bring its products to customers.

“We had the recipes and knew there was demand, but finding a commercial kitchen was the hurdle that nearly stopped us from getting started. The support we found through Food Web and the Whale House helped make the business possible. Having somewhere to prepare our products means we can keep bringing new flavours to the market and building our business here in Cape Breton.”

How to apply

Nova Scotia food entrepreneurs can apply for up to $1,500 in kitchen rental credits, available on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains. Program information and applications are available at foodweb.network/credit-program.

Owners and operators of licensed commercial kitchens are also invited to list available space through Food Web. Details can be found at foodweb.network/provide-kitchen.

About Food Web

Food Web is a Nova Scotia-based technology platform helping food entrepreneurs access the space and connections they need to start and grow their businesses. Through its online marketplace, entrepreneurs can find and book licensed commercial kitchens by the hour, while kitchen owners generate revenue from unused space. Through kitchen rentals, interactive food maps and community resources, Food Web is building a more connected local food system. Learn more at foodweb.network.

About the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS)

Founded in 1947, the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting a thriving, vibrant restaurant industry across the province. Through advocacy, education, resources, marketing and cost-saving programs, RANS helps restaurant owners and operators strengthen their businesses. The association works with industry stakeholders, community partners and government to advance the sector's interests and celebrates Nova Scotia's culinary community through initiatives including the annual Savour Food and Wine Festival. Learn more at rans.ca.

Media Contact

Megan Savary

megan@chapter3.ca

+1 (902) 237-9886

For a deeper how-to on eligibility, amounts and comparisons to other NS food funding, see our earlier explainer: How the Food Web Kitchen Credit Program Works.