Are you ready to turn your passion for food into a thriving business?
Foodpreneur Advantage is your one-stop resource for growing your food and beverage manufacturing company. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, we provide the tools, expert insights and support network you need to succeed.
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is proud to offer Foodpreneur Advantage in collaboration with Small Business Enterprise Centres in Ontario. This specialized program is designed to guide food entrepreneurs through every step of the journey.
Foodpreneur Scale-Up
This program will be delivered in a hybrid model with both online and in-person sessions being offered.
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up program is designed specifically for food and beverage manufacturers, producers and distribution businesses that demonstrate high growth potential.
About the program
This four-month program will provide business owners with access to industry experts, customized workshops and peer-to-peer discussion circles that will provide the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully scale their businesses.
Subject matter covered includes:
- Production process and shelf-life testing
- Food safety, regulation and traceability
- Canadian food labelling regulations
- Connecting with buyers, brokers and 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, today and tomorrow
- Marketing and branding strategies
Class sizes are limited, and this is a competitive process. For full program details, please visit the Foodpreneur Advantage website.
Dates
The Foodpreneur Scale-Up program will run from October 2026 to February 2027. Workshops will be held weekly on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. between October and December. Regular one-on-one coaching, industry expert mentorship and access to Foodpreneur Advantage resources and team of support are offered through February 2027.
Who should apply
- Business must be operating for a minimum of one-year revenue generation, and have an established consumer packaged good that has been tested in the market
- Business must have achieved a minimum of $50,000 annual revenue
- Business must have a minimum of 10 active wholesale accounts
- Business must demonstrate strong growth potential with a vision towards scalability
- Business owner must commit to participate fully in the training and mentorship
How to apply
Step 1: Complete the Eligibility Form
Start by submitting our eligibility form. This is a screening step only and is not a full application to the Foodpreneur Advantage Scale-Up program. Interested applicants have until Aug. 15, 2026 to complete the eligibility form.
Step 2: Submit Your Business Proposal
If you meet the program eligibility requirements, you will be invited to complete the full application process. Applications are due by Aug. 31, 2026. Our small business team is available to provide guidance and resources to help applicants complete the required documentation.
Step 3: Application Review and Interview
After reviewing your business proposal, we may invite you for an interview to discuss your business, growth goals and application.
Step 4: Acceptance Decision
Eligible applicants who successfully complete the application process will be considered for acceptance into the Foodpreneur Advantage Scale-Up program.
Please contact us if you have questions about the application process.
Food and beverage startup resources
Foodpreneur Advantage seminar series
Not yet ready for the Scale-Up program? Early-stage or aspiring food entrepreneurs can access expert-led Foodpreneur Advantage webinars covering everything from business planning and food safety regulations to marketing and distribution strategies. Visit our events calendar to register.