Deadline: August 15, 2025
Are you a Canadian-based food entrepreneur with a product already in the market and ready to scale? The Foodpreneur Lab Step Up, Scale Up Program 2025 offers a game-changing opportunity to take your food business to the next level. Backed by a mission to foster equity in the food industry, this program supports entrepreneurs from underserved communities across Canada with tailored mentorship, product development resources, and business growth strategies.
What is the Foodpreneur Lab Step Up, Scale Up Program 2025?
The Foodpreneur Lab Step Up, Scale Up Program 2025 is a flagship initiative by Foodpreneur Lab, a Black woman–led nonprofit organisation based in Canada. The programme is designed for consumer-packaged food entrepreneurs who are already generating revenue and are ready to scale up operations, improve product readiness, and expand distribution.
Applicants are placed into either the Start Path (for pre-revenue products) or Scale Path (for those with existing products and traction). This programme focuses on the Scale Path, supporting those looking to move from small-scale sales to broader commercial success.
Who is Eligible?
To apply, entrepreneurs must:
- Be based in Canada, specifically in regions such as Toronto, Ottawa, Peel, York, Durham, Hamilton, Halton, Niagara and surrounding areas.
- Have a food product already in the market (not pre-revenue).
- Be committed to participating in all virtual and in-person components of the program.
- Be seeking expert support in areas such as packaging, recipe refinement, branding, co-manufacturing, go-to-market strategies, and funding preparedness.
What Does the Program Offer?
Participants in the Foodpreneur Lab Step Up, Scale Up Program 2025 will benefit from:
- Expert-led workshops on branding, co-packing, product science, and market strategy.
- Tailored coaching sessions and peer learning circles.
- One-on-one mentorship from industry professionals.
- Tools for investment readiness and business scaling.
- Access to a national ecosystem of foodpreneurs and investors.
This holistic approach helps food entrepreneurs refine their products and positioning, enabling successful scaling within Canada’s competitive food industry.
Key Dates & Info Sessions
Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming virtual information sessions for an in-depth programme overview and Q&A:
- 📅 July 29, 2025 – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (PDT)
- 📅 August 5, 2025 – (French/Bilingual session)
- 📅 August 7, 2025 – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (PDT)
Registration is mandatory to attend these sessions.
Why Join the Step Up, Scale Up Program?
This programme goes beyond business support. It is anchored in advancing racial and gender equity in food entrepreneurship. If you’re a founder from an underserved background looking to level the playing field, this program will:
- Provide you with equitable access to industry tools and mentors.
- Help you position your brand for national distribution.
- Equip you with the knowledge to attract investment and grow sustainably.
By joining, you’ll not only scale your business but also contribute to a more inclusive Canadian food ecosystem.
How to Apply
Applications for the Foodpreneur Lab Step Up, Scale Up Program 2025 are now open.
Spots are limited and competitive—applicants are advised to apply early and ensure all eligibility requirements are met.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to take your food brand to new heights and are committed to growing a sustainable, market-ready product, the Foodpreneur Lab Step Up, Scale Up Program 2025 is the perfect opportunity to invest in your future.
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
