Minnesota Food Coalition Will Launch 2027 Mentorship Program
Agricultural firms earning $1 million to $50 million can apply for nine months of corporate mentorship.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Agriculture
Live Poll
Do you believe business mentorship programs are effective at helping startups succeed in new markets?
MBOLD is accepting applications until November 6, 2026, for its 2027 Bold Growth mentorship program, which connects mid-market food and agriculture companies with corporate experts. The program aims to assist firms looking to enter or expand within the United States market.
Why it matters
This program provides smaller operators with strategic access to established corporate networks and industry mentors without the burden of equity dilution. It helps companies scaling in the $1 million to $50 million revenue range navigate the complexities of the U.S. agricultural sector.
Applicants must demonstrate annual revenue between $1 million and $50 million, with a preferred minimum of $5 million. The nine-month program remains free of equity requirements for participants.
The players
MBOLD
A coalition of Minnesota-based food and agriculture companies, research institutions, and nonprofits.
Protein Industries Canada
An international partner organization collaborating on the Bold Growth Exchange for early-stage companies.
The details
Selected companies engage in monthly calls with corporate mentors to facilitate market growth. The program includes an in-person component in Minneapolis for meetings and networking. Companies also gain exposure through the organization's existing international partnerships with entities in Canada and the Netherlands.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: MBOLD hosts the Protein Innovation Pitch Slam.
November 6, 2026: Application deadline for the 2027 Bold Growth program.
February 2027: Start of the nine-month Bold Growth program.
October 2027: Conclusion of the nine-month Bold Growth program.
Market Landscape
The mentorship program follows the operational momentum established by the Protein Catalyst launched in October 2025. It further develops the organization's international collaborative network, which already includes the Bold Growth Exchange.
Operators in the $1 million to $50 million revenue bracket should assess whether their U.S. expansion strategy requires deeper corporate integration. If interested, prioritize the application deadline to gain access to professional mentorship without sacrificing company equity.
The takeaway
This program offers a low-friction pathway for agricultural businesses to secure high-level mentorship. Review your company's revenue trajectory against the $5 million preferred benchmark to determine if your firm is positioned to leverage this specific support network.
What happens next
Applicants must submit their materials by November 6, 2026, to be considered for the 2027 cohort starting in February.
Further reading
Find more industry resources in our Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by vegconomist - the vegan business magazine.
Live Poll
Do you believe business mentorship programs are effective at helping startups succeed in new markets?
