Scaling Small Business Success in Protein Innovation

MBOLD is committed to advancing the sustainability of plant, alternative and traditional proteins and we recognize the critical importance of promising young businesses in driving needed innovation. Our “Bold Growth” mentorship program helps small businesses that are innovating in the protein space scale up with coaching from senior leaders from MBOLD member companies and our Minnesota-based network of corporate food and agriculture partners.

Bold Growth Program

We invite applications by December 3, 2024, from companies with Minnesota-based headquarters or significant operations that have innovative solutions for plant-based proteins or alternative crops for inclusion in animal feed.

MBOLD will coordinate with successful applicants to understand your aspirations and needs, and then will provide you with:

A handpicked team of 3–4 industry mentors with the expertise you most need to unlock your growth
Confidential monthly calls with your mentors
Additional educational opportunities designed to suit particular needs.
A 9-month program from approximately March through November 2025.
Free participation with no equity taken.

To date, Bold Growth mentors have included leaders from Cargill, General Mills, Target, CHS, Compeer Financial, Ecolab, Hormel Foods, McKinsey & Co., Schwan’s Co., Bread and Butter Ventures, SunOpta, United Health Group and the University of Minnesota. We have provided confidential, tailored mentoring to small business on topics ranging from new product development to navigating the U.S. regulatory environment, national distribution through refrigerated and frozen food channels, brand development, manufacturing scale-up and marketing strategy, among others.

The ideal candidate for Bold Growth:

Is solving an important protein innovation problem that addresses a clear business need
Has annual revenue $5 million - $50 million USD and strong potential for growth
Is committed to making the most of this opportunity to benefit your company

We will consider businesses that address a wide range of protein sustainability product and process innovations. We particularly welcome those that are scaling up products or technologies in the following areas (as MBOLD members and partners are, ourselves, collaborating to drive innovation for these high priority protein ingredients):

Plant proteins including oats, dry beans and chickpeas
Innovative ingredients for inclusion in animal feed including winter camelina and industrial hemp, new opportunities for alfalfa, and the production and use of insects in feed rations

Learn More and Apply for the Program

To learn more, Register for our information session on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Central Time
Submit your application by midnight CST, December 3, 2024. MBOLD will select participants in early 2025.