**PROGRAM GUIDELINES** The London Small Business Centre and LEDC, in conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade are offering “Scale Up”, a program designed to assist growing food production and distribution businesses in London. Scale Up provides training and grants of $5000 to eligible participants who meet the requirements and successfully complete the program. **Eligible Participants must be:** - 18 years of age or older and not in full time education - Operating an existing food production business (which is an independent business venture operating at arm’s length from family business ventures in Ontario) - Operating a business which is registered as a sole proprietorship or Partnership or Corporation where the applicant will be the majority shareholder - Operating their business on a full-time basis **Program Requirements:** - Submit an Application - Receive an Invitation to attend the Proposal Writing seminar - Submit a Proposal following the guidelines set out at the seminar - Proposals are reviewed by Grant Review Committee, and participants whose proposals meet the criteria are invited into the program - Sign a Participation Agreement committing to the terms of the program which include: - Attendance at six Round Table Discussion sessions - Submission of monthly reports outlining sales growth and key performance indicators as outlined in submitted proposals - Submission of a Final Report summarizing overall quantitative and qualitative outcomes from the proposal **Grant Disbursements:** **First Disbursement: Following Agreement Signing – Participant receives $3,500** Prior to initial disbursement of funds - Participant shows business name registration and applicable licensing documents/permits to program provider for verification; provides S.I.N. number for tax purposes - Participant signs Program Agreement which outlines responsibilities of the program and agrees to comply with the program requirements and allocate the funds substantially in accordance with the business proposal’s outline **Second Disbursement: $1,500 - Upon Completion of Program which requires** - Business continues to operate on a full-time basis - Participation in Round Table Discussion Sessions - Submission of monthly reports outlining sales growth and key performance indicators as outlined in submitted proposals - Submission of a Final Report summarizing overall quantitative and qualitative outcomes from the proposal Scale Up! grants are provided in conjunction with the Starter Company Plus program, funded by the [Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade](https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-economic-development-job-creation-trade).