B.C. Lean for food processors program
Last updated on October 29, 2024Accepting applications until November 21, 2024 at 4:30 pm Pacific time, or until funding is completely allocated.
British Columbia's Lean for Food Processors program supports specialized business skill development to enable processors to make more informed decisions, optimize operating procedures, improve production capacity, increase labour
productivity and strengthen their business.
B.C. Lean is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of local food and beverage processing firms in the sector.
The ministry will provide successful applicants with up to $7,000 in cost-shared funding for services from a qualified business consultant.
Successful applicants are required to pay $1,500 upfront to the qualified business consultant. Connect with a qualified B.C. Lean consultant (PDF, 144KB).
Success stories
Salt Spring Island Cheese -Lean testimonial (PDF, 619KB)
Yumasoy - Lean testimonial (PDF, 831KB)
Eligible activities
The B.C. Lean program offers a range of eligible activities, but requires applications to ensure the project focuses on implementing lean principles in the following categories:
Analysis of production process
Examining production workflows to identify areas for improvement.
Examples of lean principles being applied:
- Value stream mapping: Analyze current production processes to identify waste and opportunities for improvement
- Root cause analysis: Use tools like the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagram to identify and address the root causes of production issues
- Continuous flow: Design processes to ensure smooth, uninterrupted flow of materials and products
Project example: Conducting a value stream mapping exercise to identify and eliminate bottlenecks in the production line, resulting in faster throughput.
Food safety protocols
Procedures to ensure food products are safe for consumption.
Examples of lean principles being applied:
- Standardized processes: Develop and maintain standardized food safety protocols to ensure consistency and compliance
- Error proofing: Implement checks and controls to prevent contamination and ensure food safety
- Continuous improvement: Regularly review and update food safety procedures based on new regulations and feedback
Project example: Using color-coded tools and equipment to prevent cross-contamination in food processing areas.
Inventory management
The process of ordering, storing, and using a company's inventory.
Examples of lean principles being applied:
- Just-in-time (JIT): Order and receive inventory only as it is needed, reducing excess inventory and associated carrying costs
- Kanban system: Use visual signals to trigger inventory replenishment, ensuring optimal inventory levels are maintained
- 5S methodology: Organize and maintain the workspace for efficient inventory management
Project example: Implementing a Kanban system to manage raw material inventory, ensuring materials are available exactly when needed without overstocking.
Marketing activities
Efforts to promote and sell products or services.
Examples of lean principles being applied:
- Lean marketing: Focus on delivering value to customers with minimal waste in marketing processes
- Customer feedback loops: Use customer feedback to continuously improve marketing strategies and campaigns
- Agile Marketing: Implement short, iterative campaigns that can be quickly adjusted based on results
Project example: Using A/B testing to rapidly test and optimize marketing messages, ensuring that resources are spent on the most effective strategies.
Quality assurance procedures
Systems and processes to ensure products meet quality standards and specifications.
Examples of lean principles being applied:
- Error proofing: Design processes and tools to prevent defects from occurring
- Standard work: Establish clear, standardized procedures for quality checks to ensure consistency
- Continuous improvement (Kaizen): Regularly review and improve quality assurance processes
Project example: Using error proofing techniques such as using jigs and fixtures to prevent assembly errors in manufacturing.
Research and development (R&D)
Activities focused on developing new products or improving existing products and processes.
Examples of lean principles being applied are:
- Value stream mapping: Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities in the R&D process
- Rapid prototyping: Use iterative cycles to quickly test and refine ideas, reducing time to market and development costs
- Cross-functional teams: Promote collaboration across departments to enhance innovation and streamline development
Project example: Implementing a stage-gate process where each development stage is evaluated for value, ensuring resources are only committed to promising projects and reducing time wasted on unfeasible ideas.
Re-tooling procedures
Changing or updating tools and equipment for production.
Examples of lean principles being applied:
- Single-minute exchange of dies (SMED): Reduce setup and changeover times to improve production efficiency
- 5S methodology: Organize tools and equipment to ensure quick and efficient re-tooling
- Preventive maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure tools are in optimal condition
Project example: Implementing Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) techniques to reduce the time needed to switch from producing one product to another, increasing overall production flexibility and efficiency.
Staff training
Programs designed to improve employee skills and knowledge.
Examples of lean principles being applied:
- Standardized work instructions: Develop clear, standardized training materials to ensure consistent learning outcomes
- On-the-job training (OJT): Provide hands-on training in the actual work environment for practical learning
- Continuous improvement: Encourage a culture of ongoing learning and development
Project example: Implementing a standardized onboarding program with clear work instructions and hands-on training sessions for new employees.
Eligible applicants
Eligibility requirements are:
- Minimum of $100,000 in gross annual revenue for the last two years (food or beverage processing related only). Successful applicants are required to show Canada Revenue Agency proof of revenue
- Minimum of one employee (no owner operated businesses)
- A food or beverage processing company in B.C. with 50% or more of the direct cost of producing the product in its final form (i.e. the sum of raw materials, direct labour, variable processing, and packaging) originating in B.C.
- Applicants must also have a head office or be registered to do business in B.C.
- Is not a previous participant in the B.C. Lean Program
Application instructions
Select a qualified business consultant and work with them to complete an application, including a project proposal, which is to be submitted by the consultant by email.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff evaluate the application.
- After receiving email confirmation that the application is approved, the applicant pays the qualified business consultant $1,500 upfront.
- The project is completed as outlined in the application within the specified timeframe. Ministry staff reserve the right to conduct mid-project reviews and obtain feedback from applicant(s).
- The qualified business consultant submits final draft report to applicant.
- Applicant reviews and approves draft report and signs claim form.
- After performing the training, qualified business consultant submits the approved claim form (DOCX, 69.3KB) and final report by email to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
- Participants complete a short mandatory survey from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
- Ministry of Agriculture and Food pays the qualified business consultant up to $7,000 directly.
- Program staff might contact applicant for feedback via email.