The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program
Last Update: January 24, 2025
ON, Canada
Support for high growth food businesses in Southwestern Ontario
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : August 1, 2023
- Closing date : October 24, 2023
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
Grant Providers
- Foodpreneur Advantage
Status
Open
Overview of the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program 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.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant offers support to successful applicants through a financial partnership with local Small Business Centres aimed at bolstering participating businesses with additional resources. The financing modalities are designed to enhance growth and development opportunities for eligible food production and distribution companies.
- Eligible applicants may receive up to $5,000 in grant funding.
- Funding is available through partnering Small Business Centres.
- The grants are part of the Starter Company training and grant programs.
- Application for the grant is restricted to the county where the business operates.
Eligible projects & activities
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 25,000
Implementation of quality assurance testing for honey production in a small beekeeping business
$ 60,000
Developing a new line of gluten-free breads for a community bakery
$ 45,000
Revamping product packaging for local brewery to ensure compliance with quality standards
$ 70,000
Creating a new vegan snack line for a health food store including product development and marketing
$ 40,000
Upgrading kitchen equipment for artisanal bakery to improve production efficiency
$ 75,000
Expanding market reach for local organic farm through rebranding and distribution enhancements
Eligibility criteria of the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program program
Eligibility for this program requires that the business meets several specific criteria, demonstrating their readiness and potential for growth.
- Business must be operating for a minimum of 1-year revenue generation and not longer than 5-years.
- The business must have an established consumer packaged good that has been tested in the market.
- Businesses must demonstrate strong growth potential and scalability.
- The business owner must commit to fully participate in the training and mentorship components of the program.
- The business must be located in one of the following counties: London/Middlesex, St Thomas/Elgin, Sarnia/Lambton, Chatham/Kent, Windsor/Essex.
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
Eligibility criteria of the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program program
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Business operating for 1-5 years with tested consumer good
- Demonstrates growth potential and scalability
- Business owner's commitment to training and mentorship
- Located in specific counties
How to apply to the The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program program
1
Complete Online Application
- Visit the program's official website starting August 1st.
- Complete a brief online application to address basic eligibility requirements.
- Contact info@foodpreneuradvantage.ca if you have any questions.
- Attend the group information session if you meet the eligibility requirements, where you'll be informed of critical dates and program details.
2
Attend Business Proposal Workshop
- Participate in a two-hour business proposal workshop.
- Use the knowledge gained to draft a 6-8 page proposal outlining your business's growth potential.
- Submit the proposal within two weeks of the workshop.
- Have your proposal reviewed by an independent review panel.
3
Discussion with Program Staff
Meet with program staff to discuss the proposal and address any concerns raised by the review panel.
4
Apply for Funding Opportunity
- If accepted, apply for up to $5,000 in grant funding through partnering Small Business Centres using the same proposal submission.
- Note that there may be slight contract variations and requirements based on your location, and you must apply in your county of operation.
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.
Apply to this program
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