Jeff Cote worked in the food industry for 30 years and in the restaurant and catering industry for almost 20 years before he started building his own business.
After struggling to find work in his hometown of Midland, he discovered the self-employment program through the Ontario government, and made the decision to make his own path.
Since 2014, Cote has been the owner of Feast, a catering company. Located at 188 Yonge St. in Midland, Feast offers catering services from private dining, cocktail receptions and corporate events for groups of 12 to 800 people.
“I started off just as a small home-based business like private cheffing and smaller events that I could do on my own,” Cote said.
Cote now owns a one thousand square foot commercial kitchen with a staff of five full-timers and 40 to 50 part-timers.
Cote says the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation (NSCFDC) really helped him get his feet off the ground. He took his first loan with the NSCFDC to market himself and build clientele, and eventually took a second loan for the commercial kitchen.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without it,” he said.
The NSCFDC is dedicated to helping small business owners get their feet under them. For over 30 years, they’ve provided services such as free business coaching, community economic development and customized business loans to the areas of Midland, Penetanguishene, Beausoleil First Nation (Christian Island), Springwater, Tiny and Tay.
Kevin Culhane, general manager of the NSCFDC, said that he started his 2025 with a focus on community outreach to local businesses and existing clients. They recently hosted a Banker’s Breakfast that was well attended by financial institutions in North Simcoe.
“We’re wrapping up our strategic plan over the coming weeks, which will set the course for the organization over the next five years,” Culhane said.
Culhane also says the NSCFDC plans on meeting with service clubs, municipalities, MP’s and MPP’s in the near future, and has plans for a company rebrand in the next calendar year. He also hopes to enhance the company’s programming with workshops and seminars down the road should the organization be able to secure funding.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it’s going to be a fun ride,” Culhane said.
If you are a small business, or potential small business owner, or someone interested in learning more about business in general, you can look into the NSCFDC here.
This article was sponsored by North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation, a 2024 MidlandToday Reader Favourite.