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The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program
Support for high growth food businesses in Southwestern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : August 1, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Join a 10-week program and get access to food production and distribution industry experts, workshops, and mentoring services that will provide the knowledge and tools to successfully scale your business.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : August 1, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program is designed to support food production and distribution businesses with high growth potential. The program focuses on providing the necessary knowledge and tools for these businesses to successfully scale through a series of expert-guided activities and workshops.
- Workshops on production process and shelf-life testing.
- Sessions on food safety, regulation, and traceability.
- Training on Canadian food labelling regulations.
- Connecting with buyers, brokers, and distributors.
- Workshops on how to pitch products to national chains.
- Product and recipe development and food innovation workshops.
- Guidance on selling products to retailers.
- Sessions on navigating packaging for food and beverage products.
- Workshops on managing cash flow for profits now and in the future.
- Marketing and branding strategy sessions.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program is open to food production and distribution businesses that have been generating revenue for at least one year but not longer than five years. These businesses must have a consumer packaged good that has been market-tested and show strong growth potential and scalability. Additionally, businesses must be located in the specific counties of London/Middlesex, St Thomas/Elgin, Sarnia/Lambton, Chatham/Kent, or Windsor/Essex. Business owners must also commit to fully participating in the program's training and mentorship sessions.Who is not eligible
This grant is specifically designed for high growth potential food production and distribution businesses. While the program outlines eligibility, it does not provide explicit exclusions or restrictions for other types of companies or industries beyond what has been described in its eligibility criteria.
Eligible expenses
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program provides targeted support for high-growth potential food production and distribution businesses. Eligible projects and activities focus on equipping business owners with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively scale their operations.
- Enhancing production processes and conducting shelf-life testing.
- Understanding food safety, regulation, and traceability requirements.
- Navigating Canadian food labelling regulations.
- Building connections with buyers, brokers, and distributors.
- Developing effective product pitches for national chains.
- Innovating product or recipe development.
- Selling products to retailers.
- Addressing packaging needs for food and beverage products.
- Managing cash flow for current and future profitability.
- Implementing strategic marketing and branding strategies.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is designated for businesses located in specific counties within Canada to foster regional economic growth in the agri-food sector. Selected areas are chosen based on strategic community partnerships and business development needs.
- London/Middlesex
- St Thomas/Elgin
- Sarnia/Lambton
- Chatham/Kent
- Windsor/Essex
Additional information
Additional details for applicants include tips and resources to enhance application success:
- Applicants are encouraged to introduce themselves to their local Small Business Centre before applying, as their staff can assist in business growth and preparation for this opportunity.
- The program provides access to a team of experts with diverse experience in graphic design, sales, marketing, distribution, business development, packaging, food safety, regulatory affairs, and entrepreneurship.
- Successful program participants may be eligible for additional funding up to $5,000 through partnering Small Business Centres, as part of their Starter Company training and grant programs.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program?
Join a 10-week program and get access to food production and distribution industry experts, workshops, and mentoring services that will provide the knowledge and tools to successfully scale your business.
Who is eligible for the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program program?
To be eligible for the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program program, you must:
The business must have been operating for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years with revenue generation.
The business must have a consumer packaged good that has been market tested.
The business must be located in London/Middlesex, St Thomas/Elgin, Sarnia/Lambton, Chatham/Kent, or Windsor/Essex counties.
What expenses are eligible under The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program?
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program is designed to support food production and distribution businesses with high growth potential. The program focuses on providing the necessary knowledge and tools for these businesses to successfully scale through a series of expert-guided activities and workshops. Workshops on production process and shelf-life testing.
Sessions on food safety, regulation, and traceability.
Training on Canadian food labelling regulations.
Connecting with buyers, brokers, and distributors.
Workshops on how to pitch products to national chains.
Product and recipe development and food innovation workshops.
Guidance on selling products to retailers.
Sessions on navigating packaging for food and beverage products.
Workshops on managing cash flow for profits now and in the future.
Marketing and branding strategy sessions.
Where is the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program available?
The The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program is a Expert Advice
Who are the financial supporters of the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program?
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program is funded by Foodpreneur Advantage
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