BC Ministry of Agriculture

BC MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Business Advisor, Brand Management (Growing Forward 2, Grant-Funding Program)
January 2004 to November 2013 (9 Years, 11 months – remote)

The BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Business Development Unit, under the Business Knowledge and Strategic Adaptation program, has engaged Hartley Berg to deliver primary marketing and business development consulting, sales and brand management to support industry growth across British Columbia.

As part of this initiative, Hartley Berg delivered eight instructional business educational modules tailored to the Food Processor sector. These modules cover essential business management and growth strategies, serving as invaluable resources for industry professionals. Through this work, Hartley has fostered strong relationships with clients, helping businesses optimize operations, scale effectively, and enhance their competitive market positioning.

• Recruited over 50 manufacturers across British Columbia to participate in this grant-funded program, delivering business advisory services focused on scaling operations, marketing and sales strategy, and product innovation.

• Negotiated and secured over $250,000 in grant funding to advance clients’ business development, supporting growth, market expansion, and innovation initiatives.

• Directed the development of customized business-plans, enabling companies to successfully enter regional and national key retail chains, such as Loblaws, Empire, Jim Pattison, Whole Foods, etc.

• Managing sales and marketing staff while developing and expanding both existing and new regional and national retail accounts.

• Designed and delivered 8 industry-specific business training modules, adopted province-wide by industry leaders, strengthening business knowledge and strategic readiness to enter and scale in the market.

• Delivered measurable client results through strategic consulting, increasing margins and shortening go-to-market timelines.