District Ventures Accelerator and Sunterra Market join forces to promote entrepreneurialism

District Ventures (CNW Group/District Ventures)

CALGARY, Feb. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Arlene Dickinson's District Ventures Accelerator and Sunterra Market have joined forces to support Canadian entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector. Sunterra Market will open its 10th store adjacent to District Ventures Accelerator in Kensington and will feature the innovative products of its entrepreneurs there and in other market locations.

District Ventures Accelerator helps entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry grow their companies. This unique partnership with Sunterra will give these businesses the opportunity to test their products with consumers and add to Sunterra's existing lineup of premium goods by offering a pipeline of innovative new food and beverage products.  

"Getting to market is always difficult, and this opportunity to get products on actual shelves is a game changer in the accelerator space," said Arlene Dickinson. "Our partnership with Sunterra will help our entrepreneurs in a meaningful and direct way by building exposure for their brands." 

"This commitment from Sunterra demonstrates their desire to give back to the community, and help entrepreneurs succeed," Dickinson added.

The Price family, who founded Sunterra in 1970, are no strangers to the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship. Sunterra has grown from an independent family farm to serving thousands of customers in grocery, catering and restaurant services across Alberta. Their commitment to work with great people who share their passion for food make them a perfect partner for District Ventures Accelerator.

"As an Alberta-based company we are always looking to support local businesses that offer high quality products, and the accelerator provides access to the high-caliber entrepreneurs that offer those products," said Ray Price, Sunterra Group president. "Our in-depth farming and production techniques help us select only the best products to put on our shelves, and we are looking forward to offering our customers the unique products coming out of District Ventures Accelerator."

About District Ventures Accelerator
Founded in October 2015 by Arlene Dickinson, dragon on CBC's Dragons' Den and author of best-selling books Persuasion and All In, District Ventures is the first accelerator of its kind in Canada. Located in Calgary, the accelerator connects innovative early-stage entrepreneurs in the food & beverage and health & wellness sectors with a network of peers, investors and business support. Since opening its doors in October 2015, the accelerator has received over 1500 applications from entrepreneurs across the country. It has accepted 31 companies into its program.

About Sunterra Market
Sunterra began over 40 years ago on the Price family farm in Acme, Alberta. With superior pork production techniques and industry-leading practices, the farm grew bigger and better. To showcase their top quality meat and provide customers with a unique European-style shopping experience, Sunterra Market launched in downtown Calgary at Bankers Hall in 1990. Since then it has grown to 10 markets across Alberta, offering quality foods and products from farm to market to table.

SOURCE District Ventures

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For further information: Danielle Bartha: Public and Media Relations Specialist, Venture Communications, 403.237.2388 ext. 354, [e-mail]; Fiona Farrell: Manager, Marketing and Communications, Sunterra Quality Food Markets, 403.266.2820, [e-mail]