Welcome to Innovation Table
Prairie Food Link brings together the best of business mentorship and industry expertise to support food and ingredient processors across Saskatchewan. Our initiative combines the foundational business programming of the Raj Manek Mentorship Program with sector-specific workshops and interactive sessions — designed to help mentors and protégés grow, innovate, and succeed.
We have all experienced great ideas that have started at the kitchen table. Our mentorship program, Innovation Table, is meant to capture that spirit of nourishment in learning, through connecting community, driving innovation, building skills and growing your businesses.
Program Overview
At Prairie Food Link, we provide:
- Structured Mentorship
One-on-one guidance from experienced business leaders who understand the realities of running your business. Relying on the experience of the Raj Manek Mentorship Program to match needs to proteges and mentors, the one-on-one learning experience, driven by proteges, is meant to provide regular guidance based on your individual business need.
- Educational Workshops & Sessions
Expert-led, interactive workshops designed specifically for food and ingredient processors cover topics such as getting your product to the shelf, pricing strategy, packaging options, social media and promotion, channel partners, regulatory compliance, and pitching your product.
- Engaging Peer Learning
Join cohort-based peer sessions — online and in-person — that encourage discussion, collaboration, and real-world problem solving.
- Basics of Business Sessions
Monthly sessions, led by experience business professionals to provide a strong framework for your entrepreneurial journey through enrolment in the Raj Manek Mentorship Program. These in-person sessions are also designed to create connection opportunities that build community and broaden industry reach.
Our programming is designed to be dynamic, hands-on, and directly applicable to your business growth.
Who Should Apply?
Innovation Table is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs who are food and ingredient processing businesses
- Founders and leaders looking for strategic guidance
- Industry professionals seeking deeper business and operational skills
- Mentors eager to share expertise and support emerging leaders
Innovation Table Resources
We welcome participants across Saskatchewan with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and building stronger local food systems.
Our intake capacity to join the formal mentorship program in collaboration with the Raj Manek Mentorship Program is currently limited. Those who commit to the program will have added benefits to be a part of the program.
Can’t commit right now? All food and ingredient processing custom content will also be offered to all members of the Prairie Food Link on an ‘a la carte’ basis for a small fee.
Mentor & Protégé Opportunities
Industry Programing
SAVE THESE DATES!
INNOVATION TABLE INDUSTRY VIRTUAL 2 HOUR WORKSHOPS*
Watch for registration sent to your inbox! Or reach out to Monica Pollard for more information.
*Deeper dive 2 hour virtual industry-specific workshops with Peter Chapman from SKU Food.
Mentor Intake
Are you a seasoned professional in food processing, operations, marketing, or business leadership?
We’re recruiting mentors who are eager to share insight, challenge assumptions, and help guide emerging businesses. You will officially join the table of the highly successful Raj Manek Mentorship Program
Protégé Intake
Are you ready to take your food or ingredient processing business further with expert support and targeted learning experiences?
Become a protégé and join our next cohort of innovators and leaders. You will officially join the table of the highly successful Raj Manek Mentorship Program and experience first access to the industry expert workshops and virtual sessions
Not a Prairie Food Link Member?
Joining Prairie Food Link gives you:
- Meaningful connections with industry leaders
- Practical, applicable learning you can take back to your business
- Access to an active, supportive community
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
Together, we grow stronger — individually and across the Prairie food processing industry.
Get Involved
Whether you’re interested in mentoring, being mentored, or expanding your professional network through workshops and events, Prairie Food Link is your gateway to deeper industry engagement and business success.