Food Business Program Application Form

Welcome to Newcomer Kitchen Canada! 

Our 12-week “Earn As You Learn” Food Entrepreneurship Incubator is a fast-paced pathway designed to help you turn your culinary passion into a food business you can test, brand, and launch.

You’ll build your skills through food business and digital learning, combined with hands-on commercial kitchen training. By working together to produce corporate catering for real customers, you’ll gain practical experience while sharing in the profits you help generate.

And graduation is just the beginning. Your new enterprise remains connected to our shared digital network, giving you ongoing access to mentorship, resources, and new market opportunities.

This form is NOT a test—there are no right or wrong answers! It simply helps our intake team understand your needs, schedule, and goals so we can support you. Please complete it as best as you can.

Name

Phone Number

Your Email

Your Address

Postal Code

Country of Origin

What is your current immigration or citizenship status in Canada?

Refugee Claimant (Waiting for a refugee hearing)

Protected Person / Convention Refugee (Positive decision received)

Permanent Resident (PR)

Canadian Citizen

Other

When you first came to Canada, which of the following best describes your immigration or refugee pathway?

I came to Canada as a resettled refugee

I came to Canada and made a refugee claim (asylum claim) in Canada

Work permit

I came through another immigration pathway

Other / Prefer to self-describe

Other:

How long have you lived in Canada?*

Less than 6 months

6 months to 1 year

1 to 3 years

More than 3 years

English Level

Beginner (CLB Level 1-3) — I can speak basic words and sentences. It is hard to have long conversations.

Intermediate (CLB Level 4-10) — I can have everyday conversations, read simple texts, and write simple notes.

Fluent / Advanced — I can speak, read, and write in English comfortably and professionally.

Do you speak other languages? If so which?

Educational level

Primary School / Elementary School

High School / Secondary School

College / University Degree

Technical, Business, or Vocational School

No formal school (Did not have the opportunity to go to school)

Have you taken any courses in Canada? If so what are they?

Are you currently employed?

No, I am not working

No, but I am actively looking for a job

Yes, I am working Part-time

Yes, I am working Full-time

Have you ever had a business of any kind?

Yes (Please briefly describe what you did below)

No, I have never run a business before

Please describe business

Do you have 30 hours a week availability to commit to the program?

Yes

No

Do you have any potential barriers to participating in daytime classes and kitchen shifts? (Check all that apply)

No barriers — I am fully available and excited for daytime commercial kitchen shifts!

Childcare or family caregiving responsibilities

Transportation (getting to Spadina & Bloor location on the TTC)

Daytime English language (LINC/ESL) classes (LINC must be moved to evening to join the program)

Frequent daytime medical or immigration legal appointments

Other responsibilities

NOTE: This program is an intensive 12-week incubation model combining in-person business development and commercial kitchen shifts (next to Spadina Station). Trainees split the profits at the end.      * To achieve this, a full-time commitment is required. 

Do you see yourself starting a food business in the next three to six months?

Yes

No

Is there anything else you would like our team to know? For example: status details, any dietary needs, physical accommodation needs or any questions you have.

How did you hear about Newcomer Kitchen?

Social Media

Friend, Family Member, or Past Participant

Community or Settlement Organization

Community Event, Workshop or Information Session

Online Search/Google

Other - Please Specify Below

Other or Name of Referral:

Su​​bmit

Thank you for your application!

We are excited to see you are interested in our program. We will put you on a wait list for the Winter Semester. Our team will contact you a few weeks before the start date to see if the Winter Semester will fit your schedule. Click on the photo below to link to our instagram to see some of our past participants in action. 

A DAY AT NEWCOMER KITCHEN