Ottawa, ON – The Culinary Entrepreneur Program (CEP), delivered by Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), celebrated the success of its latest cohort of women entrepreneurs who are transforming home-based cooking skills into viable food businesses, with support from a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The program culminated in a hands-on showcase that took place on February 24, 2026, at IWSO, 219 Argyle Avenue, Ottawa, ON, where participants presented their food products to the public, partners, and community leaders.

“The work that Immigrant Women Services Ottawa team does every day to support newcomer women in our community is incredible. I am so glad to see that work continue and expand through their amazing Culinary Entrepreneur Program, thanks to support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Catherine McKenney, MPP Ottawa Centre. 

The Culinary Entrepreneur Program is a structured, practical training initiative designed specifically for newcomer and immigrant women who have strong cooking skills but limited access to capital, commercial kitchens, or business networks. With funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, CEP provides participants with business training, food safety certification, commercial kitchen experience, mentorship, and market-ready preparation, enabling them to move from informal food sales to registered, compliant businesses.