An AFPA Program • Funded by Alberta Innovates & PrairiesCan

Grow.
Scale.
Succeed.

SCALE AB helps Alberta food & beverage processors boost competitiveness through expert coaching, practical workshops, and grants.

SCALE AB
100+
SMEs
$99,999
Max Grant
150
Jobs

THE PROGRAM

What is SCALE AB?

SCALE is an AFPA-led initiative to boost the competitiveness of Alberta’s food and beverage processing SMEs — providing coaching, training, and tiered funding to help your business grow.

Expert Coaching

Each SME is paired with an Industry Navigator who provides customized guidance on regulatory compliance, labeling, co-packing, recipe formulation, exporting, and scaling operations.

Training & Workshops

Industry-focused workshops — virtual and in hubs like Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge — covering cash flow management, food safety compliance, AI/tech adoption, and export readiness.

Tiered Funding

Access non-repayable grants (75/25 basis) for projects in food safety, digital innovation, product development, and business scale-up.

Proudly funded by

Prairies Economic Development Canada
Alberta Innovates
Alberta Food Processors Association

100+

SMEs Supported

20+

Technology Adoptions

$5-10M

In New Sales Unlocked

150

Jobs Created or Sustained

$99,999

Max Funding Per Business

Who Can Apply

Are You Eligible?

To qualify for SCALE, companies must be Alberta-based food and beverage processors (SMEs). Current AFPA membership is preferred. We especially encourage applications from under-represented entrepreneurs.

✓
AFPA MembershipCurrent AFPA membership is preferred for participation in SCALE.
✓
Alberta-Based CompanyAlberta food/beverage manufacturers or processors — small to medium-sized enterprises.
✓
Growth OrientationOperations with clear plans to invest in compliance, technology, market development, or expansion.
✓
Leadership CommitmentCompany leadership must commit to coaching sessions, workshops, and reporting outcomes.

The Process

How It Works

From application to results — a clear, supported path designed to help your business thrive.

1

Apply

Complete the online application via the SCALE portal.

2

Intake and Selection

AFPA reviews for eligibility. Selected companies attend an intake meeting to refine goals.

3

Action Plan

Paired with an Industry Navigator and Program Manager to develop a tailored action plan.

4

Funding Application

Based on the plan, applicants may request Tier 1, 2, or 3 funding up to $99,999. Program team reviews proposal and recommends approval.

5

Program Delivery

Work with your Navigator, attend workshops, and receive expert one-on-one coaching.

6

Report Outcomes

Track and report key results — jobs, sales growth, certifications — for program evaluation.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND SCALE

Meet Your Team

Name

Emmanuel Anom MSc

Program Manager

Name

Pauline Patenaude MBA, FCMC

Industry Navigator

Name

Marc Wandler MBA

Industry Navigator

Name

Robert Ahimbisibwe BSc, CRSP, CHSC, CES

Industry Navigator

Get Started

Ready to Apply?

Applying to SCALE is a straightforward online process. There is no cost to apply.

Contact us at scale@afpa.com with any questions.
1

Verify Membership

While AFPA membership is preferred, companies without a current membership are still welcome to apply. Please confirm your company’s membership status.

2

Complete Application

3

Review and Follow-Up

AFPA confirms receipt and reviews your submission (within 3 business days). Selected applicants contacted for intake interviews.

4

Notification

Approved companies begin their Navigator pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions?

Everything you need to know about SCALE AB program. Contact us at scale@afpa.com

Who can apply to the SCALE program?

Only Alberta-based food and beverage processing SMEs (manufacturers/packers) are eligible. Current AFPA membership is preferred, and applicants should be ready to commit to the program.

SCALE supports projects improving safety, productivity and competitiveness including food safety/compliance, technology/digitization, product and market development, workforce training, and business scale-up.

The SCALE program runs through March 31, 2028. Check this page or contact the program team for the most current application deadlines.

Apply online via the SCALE portal. AFPA will screen applications and follow up with eligible SMEs for intake interviews. If approved, SMEs work with a Navigator to finalize project details.

There is no cost to access navigator support or to apply to the SCALE program, as it is funded by government partners. Note: some optional workshops or training opportunities offered through the program may have associated costs.

Companies must work closely with their Navigator and AFPA to implement the project — attending workshops, following the agreed action plan, and tracking outcomes such as jobs created, sales growth, and certifications attained.

For application or program questions, email scale@afpa.com.

Funding Related

Everything you need to know about the funding portion once accepted into the SCALE AB program.

Eligible costs align with project goals to enhance regulatory compliance, technology adoption, and industry competitiveness.
1. Food Safety & Compliance
2. Digital & Technology Adoption
3. Product & Market Development
4. Training & Workforce Development
5. Business Scale-Up Support

Download funding tiers document

The SCALE program runs through March 31, 2028. Funding is available until funds are fully allocated. Note: must be accepted into SCALE program before applying for funding.

Once accepted into the SCALE program, eligible participants will receive a funding application form.

Grants are awarded in three tiers: Tier 1 = Up to $50,000, Tier 2 = Up to $70,000, Tier 3 = Up to $99,999. Each approved company receives one tier of funding based on project scope. Cost share is 25% applicant; 75% government.

Download funding tiers document

No. SCALE grants are non-repayable.

For application or program questions, email scale@afpa.com.

All program details are subject to change. Check back for updates.