We are inspired to create these opportunities for other women'

• The incubation phase (five months) provides a comprehensive business development programme to prepare the entrepreneur for running a successful food business and scaling its operation which includes but is not limited to regular health checks to assess implementation, scale of operations (funding readiness, market support and funding opportunities), brand development, media and public relations, market readiness and bespoke programme technical support.

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• The growth phase (four months) focuses on marketing exposure, unlocking growth opportunities, and building a sustainable brand and business.

"Every year, we're inspired by the talent and tenacity within the incubator, and it's always a privilege to witness the remarkable growth of the food entrepreneurs," says Alex Kabalin, V&A Waterfront's retail executive manager. "The 2024 graduates have shown dedication, ambition, and a deep passion for their craft. It's an honour to help them take the next big step.

Congratulations to all the graduates we can't wait to see what you achieve next."

At the graduation, the incubatees introduced their progress to an audience filled with family and friends, as well as executives and mentees from the V&A Waterfront and partners Property Point.

Noelfa Miller, from Rylands, was in tears. She said the programme was where dreams came true.

Ms Miller started her farmstyle jam business in 2016, with fruits hand-picked from a Wolsely farm. She said one of the biggest things she learnt was the importance of food contamination, and the mentorship has helped her business thrive. She said she was happy that the selection panel on the programme saw something in her jams and preserves.