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To celebrate Small Business Week, Invest Halton Hills sat down with Courtney Stanely, owner of 70 Below Treats to discuss the incredible success of her small business. Courtney started her small business by converting her basement into a commercial kitchen while she was at home with her first child. Initially, she had just one freeze dryer and a few menu items, including freeze-dried fruit and homemade desserts. Today, 70 Below Treats has grown significantly, now located at 9 Mill Street E, Acton, and recently expanding operations to a new warehouse just outside of Acton.
The move to the new warehouse has allowed Courtney and her team to expand their equipment and operations. They now boast 17 freeze dryers and have been able to hire two more local high school students to assist with the growing business. This expansion also enables 70 Below Treats to ship their products on large pallets, streamlining their distribution process.
In addition to the new warehouse, Courtney has been diligently working on obtaining an OMFRA dairy license and recently received grant funding through the My Main Street Program. With the OMFRA dairy license, 70 Below Treats can now sell their homemade ice cream products and ship them across Canada. This license has allowed them to broaden their homemade treat line, distinguishing them as the only company in Canada making desserts from scratch. The grant funding has been instrumental in helping them secure the dairy license, invest in larger machinery, and upgrade their packaging for nationwide shipping.
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This past summer, 70 Below Treats participated in the Visit Halton Hills Sticker Map Program, which brought many new customers to their Acton storefront. Many of these customers were previously unaware of the company. Courtney believes that the Sticker Map Program significantly increased brand visibility for 70 Below Treats.
As a female entrepreneur and local business owner, Courtney values the support of her community. Over the years, many local community members have rallied behind her and her brand. Courtney aims to continue growing her brand across the country and entering larger markets. 70 Below Treats is working towards expanding into these bigger markets and eventually obtaining an export license to ship to the USA. These growth plans begin with the new warehouse and are driven by the new opportunities it presents.
If you’re looking to try out the amazing products Courtney and her team create at 70 Below Treats, you can shop on their website at www.store.70below.caor visit them at their storefront in Acton at 9 Mill St. E, Acton, ON.
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