MBOLD Will Open 2027 Bold Growth Mentorship Applications

The agriculture coalition is seeking mid-sized companies to participate in its upcoming nine-month program.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Agriculture

Isometric editorial illustration featuring a green sprout emerging from a mechanical agricultural component, symbolizing industry growth and mentorship. — The Minnesota-based agricultural coalition MBOLD has opened applications for its 2027 Bold Growth mentorship program, which aims to help mid-sized food and agriculture firms expand their reach in the U.S. market. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe business mentorship programs are effective at helping startups succeed in new markets?

Minnesota-based coalition MBOLD is accepting applications for its 2027 Bold Growth mentorship program until November 6, 2026. The program helps companies enter or expand within the United States market through corporate networking.

Why it matters

The program provides a pathway for food and agriculture firms to scale operations by pairing them with established industry mentors. It offers a free participation model that requires no equity from the selected participants.

Applicants must demonstrate annual revenue between $1 million and $50 million, with a preference for firms exceeding $5 million. The selected cohort will undergo a nine-month mentorship cycle.

The players

MBOLD

This is a Minnesota-based coalition of food and agriculture companies, nonprofits, and research institutions.

Protein Industries Canada

This is an international organization that partners with MBOLD to operate the Bold Growth Exchange.

The details

Selected companies are paired with corporate mentors for monthly calls and a planned visit to Minneapolis for high-level meetings. The initiative is part of a broader collaborative effort involving partnerships with Protein Industries Canada and the Netherlands.

October 14, 2026: MBOLD hosts the Protein Innovation Pitch Slam.
November 6, 2026: Application deadline for the 2027 program.
February 2027: The nine-month mentorship program commences.
October 2027: The mentorship program concludes.

Market Landscape

This program serves as a follow-up to the Protein Catalyst, which launched in October 2025 to advance the food and agriculture sector. By facilitating international partnerships, MBOLD continues to bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and established U.S. markets.

Eligible companies can gain professional guidance and market access without sacrificing equity in their businesses. Local stakeholders should note that the program's focus on U.S. expansion may influence future agricultural service growth in Minnesota.

The takeaway

Companies interested in scaling within the U.S. market should prepare financial documentation to meet the revenue requirements before the November deadline. The program represents a resource-heavy opportunity for firms looking to navigate the transition from mid-stage to mature growth.

What happens next

MBOLD will host the Protein Innovation Pitch Slam on October 14, 2026, followed by the formal application deadline for the 2027 program on November 6, 2026.