WE-CAN client YGK Takeaway felt accepted and connected to community, leading to success

Teagan McLaren is the owner and founder of YGK Takeaway based in Kingston, Ontario. She is a a current participant in the WE-CAN Project Early Stage Mastermind, as well as being a Growth Plan Challenge coaching client, a participant in the Accountability Partnership Program and a regular attendee at WE-CAN workshops.

Teagan McLaren is the owner and founder of YGK Takeaway, a Kingston-based delivery service that supports local restaurant and retailers by providing a friendly and affordable delivery system. She launched her business in June 2021 after witnessing the devastating impact of high commissions and delivery fees on small, local business during the pandemic.

“I saw small businesses throughout the Kingston region who were struggling to stay afloat and trying to meet delivery demands while juggling new curveballs every day,” Teagan recalls. “One area I decided I could help was by creating an alternative, affordable delivery system for local businesses who were being gouged by outrageous delivery commission fees being charged by companies like some of the larger food delivery companies. My idea was to provide a homegrown delivery solution that would benefit not only local restaurants and retailers, but their customers as well.”

A busy, full-time musician before the pandemic hit, Teagan quickly lost all her performing bookings when the country went into lockdown.

“I had always wanted to start a business, but COVID-19 just made that happen quicker,” she acknowledges.

Forced to place her performances on hold, Teagan pivoted to finding a solution for a community challenge affecting hundreds of Kingston area business owners.

Since attending her first WE-CAN event last year, Teagan has participated in multiple WE-CAN programs and services offered for women entrepreneurs throughout the Kingston region.

“WE-CAN has been the best thing for me and my business,” Teagan shares. “More than two thirds of my clients have come through direct connections I have made through the WE-CAN community, and the knowledge I have gained and continue to gain through the program is priceless - literally, because it’s FREE!”

She adds, “Attending my first WE-CAN Virtual Cafe for Women Entrepreneurs was amazing. As a person who struggles with social anxiety, coming into a new situation where I didn’t know anybody was terrifying. I immediately felt accepted, not pressured to participate and was able to move at my own speed when it came to participating in discussions. Since that first experience, I’m now at almost every workshop, and love the community of women that support me and who I am also able to support! WE-CAN Project manager Kerry Ramsay is an amazing cheerleader and supporter for all the women in the program, and her skills as a moderator are outstanding. The best part is she is always willing and wanting to help no matter what.”

After just over one year in business, YGK Takeaway is supporting multiple small retail and food business owners across the region. Current clients include Mystic & Magick, Cha Cha Tea, Nosh Kingston, RADobada Tacos, Bread by Elise, Finda Beauty Care, and others.

“One of the smartest business decisions I have ever made was hiring YGK Takeaway to assist with local deliveries for Mystic & Magick,” says Kingston business owner Missy. “Prior to YGK Takeaway I was spending hours every week delivering packages and it was cutting into my family time. It has taken a ton of stress off my shoulders.”

Says Teagan, “We currently provide delivery service for businesses who are able to take pre-orders at least 24 hours in advance. We provide fixed delivery, scheduled delivery as well as restock services and work both business-to-business and business-to-customer.”

Starting in September, YGK Takeaway will also provide post-office runs, providing support for local businesses who need to send their products by mail.

The business is also in the process of developing an app to make the order and delivery process more seamless.

“Making a difference in my community and in the lives of small local business owners is what I love most about this business,” Teagan shares. “Many local restaurants and retailers are spinning on a never-ending hamster wheel, feeling overwhelmed and on the edge of total burnout. Being able to ease their workload by providing an affordable delivery system solution allows them to focus on what’s really important in their business.”

Teagan also hopes YGK Takeaway will make it possible for more Kingston and area residents to shop local and support more small business owners.

“My goal is to help strengthen the Kingston economy and support small business owners,” she notes. “Once our online platform is complete, we will also be able to directly support local charities through our app order-and-delivery system. The possibilities are endless!”