The major goal of the recently developed Social Enterprise program at First United is to provide opportunities for training and employment. Over the past three months Tony Weall, Director of Social Enterprise, has been working with David Ngomane, a community member at First United, to develop, market and sell Bliss Hot Sauce which is now available at Granville Market.

David, having recently received his food safety certification, developed a limited range of products: Banana , Banana and Strawberry and Strawberry. Each flavour comes in “Hot”“Mild” and “Extra Mild”. Food safety tests were done and labels designed and produced and jars were procured and we contracted for a vendor stall at Granville Island Public Market.

Sales at Granville Island have been very gratifying and steady, allowing Tony and David to learn more about the small business. They have had an opportunity to evaluate which products sell rapidly and have refined their product offering. They have a better idea of how much product will sell during the day and how much they need to make. They are now looking at ways to expand the business through a valuable contact they made with a major retailer they met at Granville Island.

Best of all, David has had a lot of fun and gained great confidence in the product, in his ability to sell and his knowledge that he has the right product selection and the right price. He has said that the most important part of his recent experience is the boost to his confidence and the confirmation that he has the skills, intelligence and drive to achieve his goals.

David and Tony are anxious to do the best job possible and have been working closely with one volunteer with experience in start up ventures and growth companies. We would like to formally set up a small advisory group and we are particularly seeking someone with experience in food production, distribution and marketing. If you have an interest and some time, or you know someone who fits the bill we need your help!

Please call Tony Weall at (604)681-8365 Extension 110 or email tony.weall@firstunited.ca