The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program
Highlights
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program is tailored for food production and distribution businesses like yours, with high growth potential. This 10-week program offers access to industry experts, customized workshops, and peer-to-peer discussion circles. These resources will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to scale your business successfully.
What You Get:
- Expert Guidance: Learn from seasoned professionals in areas such as food safety, regulation, and marketing.
- Customized Workshops: Gain insights on production processes, shelf-life testing, and navigating packaging.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with buyers, brokers, and distributors to expand your market reach.
- Financial Support: Eligible businesses may receive up to $5,000 in funding through partnering Small Business Centres.
Participating in this program will help you refine your business strategies, improve your product offerings, and increase your chances of securing deals with national chains. The application process is straightforward, and if you qualify, the benefits can significantly boost your business growth.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms:
There are no repayment terms or interest rates, as this is a grant.
Eligible Expenses:
Funds from this grant can be used for:
- Production Process & Shelf-Life Testing
- Food Safety, Regulation & Traceability
- Canadian Food Labelling Regulations
- Connecting with Buyers, Brokers & Distributors
- Pitching your Product to National Chains
- Product/Recipe Development and Food Innovation
- Selling Your Products to Retailers
- Navigating Packaging for your Food/Beverage Product
- Managing Cash Flow for Profits
- Marketing & Branding Strategies
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
The grant cannot be used for:
- Personal expenses
- Non-business-related activities
- Any expenses not directly related to the program's outlined eligible expenses
Fees:
There are no fees associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Business must be operating for a minimum of 1-year revenue generation and not longer than 5-years.
- Business must have an established consumer packaged good that has been tested in the market.
- Business must demonstrate strong growth potential and scalability.
- Business owner must commit to participate fully in the training and mentorship.
- Business must be located in one of the following counties: London/Middlesex, St Thomas/Elgin, Sarnia/Lambton, Chatham/Kent, Windsor/Essex.
Description
This program is a fantastic opportunity for your business to grow. It offers a 10-week course designed specifically for food production and distribution businesses with high growth potential. During this program, you will gain access to industry experts, customized workshops, and peer-to-peer discussion circles. These resources will give you the knowledge and tools you need to scale your business successfully.
The program covers essential topics such as:
- Production Process & Shelf-Life Testing
- Food Safety, Regulation & Traceability
- Canadian Food Labelling Regulations
- Connecting with Buyers, Brokers & Distributors
- How to Pitch Your Product to National Chains
- Product/Recipe Development and Food Innovation
- How to Sell Your Products to Retailers
- Navigating Packaging for your Food/Beverage Product
- Managing Cash Flow for Profits
- Marketing & Branding Strategies
Additionally, you may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 through partnering Small Business Centres. This funding can help cover various business expenses and support your growth. The grant application process is straightforward and aligns with the program's proposal submission.
By participating fully in this program, you will not only gain valuable insights and skills but also have the chance to connect with key players in the industry. This is a unique opportunity to take your business to the next level.
Program Steps
Complete the Online Application:
- Fill out the brief online application to address basic eligibility requirements.
Attend Group Information Session:
- Once your application is reviewed, attend the group information session. Here, you will be notified of critical dates, have an opportunity to ask questions, and learn other important details about the program.
Attend Business Proposal Workshop:
- If you remain interested after the information session, attend the two-hour business proposal workshop.
Prepare Documentation:
- Prepare a brief proposal (6-8 pages) outlining your business's growth potential. Ensure you include:
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Market analysis
- Growth strategy
- Any additional supporting documents
- Prepare a brief proposal (6-8 pages) outlining your business's growth potential. Ensure you include:
Submit Business Proposal:
- Submit your business proposal within two weeks of attending the workshop. The proposal will be reviewed by an independent review panel.
Meet with Program Staff:
- If your proposal is shortlisted, meet with program staff to discuss the proposal and address any concerns raised by the review panel.
Await Final Decision:
- After the meeting, await the final decision on your application. If successful, you may also be eligible for additional funding opportunities through partnering Small Business Centres.
Prepare for Program Participation:
- If accepted, commit to fully participating in the training and mentorship program. Ensure your schedule allows for both online and in-person sessions over the 10-week period.
