Cohort 1 Applications Now Open!

Step Up, Scale Up

Ready to Scale Your Food Business? Let’s Clear the Roadblocks.

This 16-week opportunity is designed to move you forward with a first-of-its-kind, scale-focused approach, where you identify what’s been holding your business back and and we build you a customized roadmap to help you overcome it.

COHORT 1 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Thank you for your interest in Foodpreneur Lab’s Step Up, Scale Up funded opportunity for food businesses in Southwestern Ontario who already have a product in market and are ready to step up to the next level of scale.

Whether it’s access to production space, sales channels, capital, expert support, or something else entirely, your personalized roadmap shows you the way, guiding you past the barriers that have been holding you back.

You will be matched with the right advisors, resources, and support to tackle those barriers head-on. Every step is guided by Foodpreneur Lab, backed by a proven track record of helping food entrepreneurs grow and thrive.

Priority will be given to entrepreneurs from underserved communities.

Only 12 spots are available. Check your eligibility and apply today!

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

In order to be eligible, you:

  • Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

  • You must reside in and have your corporation registered in one of the regions in Southwestern Ontario identified in the map below.

  • You must have launched a food product and have it in market.

  • Your business has liability insurance.

More questions? See the FAQ section

Eligible Regions

Your business address must be in Southwestern Ontario in one of the following regions

Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Dufferin, Durham, Elgin, Essex, Frontenac, Grey, Haldimand-Norfolk, Haliburton, Halton, Hamilton, Hastings, Huron, Kawartha Lakes, Lambton, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Lennox and Addington, Middlesex, Niagara, Northumberland, Ottawa, Oxford, Peel, Perth, Peterborough, Prescott and Russell, Prince Edward, Renfrew, Simcoe, Stormont, Dundas and, Glengarry, Toronto, Waterloo, Wellington, York

Application Timeline*

April 22, 2025 - Applications open

April 24, 2025 - English Info Session 6:30 to 8:30 pm

April 30, 2025 - English Info Session 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Jeudi 1er mai 2025 - Séance d'information en français 6:30 to 8:30 pm

May 4, 2025- Applications close at 11:59 am EST

May 6 - 8, 2025 - Participants notified

May 20, 2025 - Kickoff / Orientation

September 5 2025 - Project ends

*All times are EST

“The network, the experience, and the results have all been amazing. It’s helped me understand and map out success for my business while connecting me with the right people.”

Robert Robinson, Robinson Sauces

FAQ

  • Submit your application here.

  • Deadline: April 22, 2025 - Applications open

    April 24, 2025 - English Info Session 6:30 to 8:30 pm

    April 30, 2025 - English Info Session 6:30 to 8:30 pm

    Jeudi 1er mai 2025 - Séance d'information en français 6:30 to 8:30 pm

    Deadline: May 4, 2025- Applications close at 11:59 am EST

    May 6 - 8, 2025 - Participants notified

    May 20, 2025 - Kickoff / Orientation

    September 5 2024 - Project ends

  • We’ve identified 8 key areas within the food landscape where entrepreneurs often face challenges.
    In your application you will identify the specific barriers you’re facing within those areas, and we’ll work with you one-on-one to provide a clear, personalized roadmap to help you solve your two top priorities.

  • If chosen as a participant for Step Up, Scale Up you will be required to provide the following documentation (details and timelines will follow if you are selected)

    • Signed Participant Agreement

    • Business Incorporation

    • Liability insurance

    • Food Handler’s Certificate

  • Step Up, Scale Up is 16-weeks.

  • Our sole focus is helping you break through the barriers that are holding your business back.
    We do this by creating a personalized roadmap filled with the right resources, solutions, and expert support to tackle your top two priorities as efficiently as possible. This is a hands-on, one-to-one process designed to work in real time on your business. That means your full participation is essential.

    You can expect to commit 4–6 hours per week over the course of the opportunity. Please ensure you’re available and ready to dedicate the time needed to get the most out of this experience.

  • In order to participate, participants must have the following hardware:

    • Computer/Laptop

    • Webcam

    • Microphone

    This is necessary to meet with advisors and access digital resources

    A strong internet connection is required to stay engaged in this program.

  • We have non-disclosure agreements that our team, participants and advisors sign.

  • Yes, every applicant will be notified whether they are accepted or not.

  • We will be providing unsuccessful applicants with other ecosystem services and potential resources that can help them get their business ready before reapplying.

  • To find out more about our past participants, visit our alumni highlights on Instagram or visit our Alumni page.

  • Step Up, Scale Up will have a total of 6 cohorts. Two cohorts per year until 2028.

  • We have our participants showcase at consumer exhibits, events, and markets through our partners.

    *Note: This is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed

  • This is largely delivered online with the possibility of in person events or opportunities.

  • This program is currently only for registered corporations with addressed and owners residing in South Western Ontario and is not available in any other province or internationally.

  • Yes. One of our mandates is to develop reciprocal relationships with a diverse community of farmers, farmers’ markets, and wholesalers in order to connect them with our participants.

  • Short answer? No. Our funding only allows us to have one successful applicant per company.

    However, resource sharing is allowed (access to recordings, etc.).