Janice brings critical insights into food entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development. She ensures FSF supports community-based food businesses as engines of empowerment and sustainability.


Janice Bartley, Founder of Foodpreneur Lab, has made it her mission to break down barriers and create opportunities for underserved communities, particularly for aspiring and established food entrepreneurs. As a Black woman and entrepreneur, she is deeply committed to levelling the playing field and opening doors for those historically excluded from the food sector.

Founded in January 2019, Foodpreneur Lab was established to directly confront systemic
obstacles and champion innovative approaches that create access and equity within the food industry. Janice brings extensive expertise to the table, with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, including her time as Operations Manager in Culinary and Hospitality management. Before creating Foodpreneur Lab, Janice spent six years managing commercial shared kitchens and accelerator spaces, mentoring emerging Chefs and Food entrepreneurs.

She has collaborated and mentored notable community organizations, including JumpStart
Refugee Talent, which supports the HERStartup initiative, and Ryerson Diversity Institute, which both focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and newcomers. Co-facilitated the RISE Peer Support Start-Up Program and mentored the N.E.W. Venture program supporting newcomer women.

As a trusted mentor and advisor, Janice is involved with StartGBC at George Brown College,
guiding students in the food sector. She also mentored young women in the Elizabeth Fry
Society’s EnterpRISE program, helping them launch and scale their businesses. She is an
advisory member of the York Region Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee and the CGLCC
2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.