Groupex is Canadian Foodservice Buying Group that helps operators access purchasing programs, supplier savings and industry support that can help strengthen their business.

To celebrate Small Business Month, Groupex Canada and the Chefs’ Table Society are giving one independent British Columbia restaurant a $2,000 Restaurant Upgrade Grant to invest in an improvement that can make a meaningful difference to its operation.

About the Restaurant Upgrade Grant

This grant is designed to give one BC restaurant additional support to complete an improvement that could help the business operate more efficiently, improve the workplace or enhance the customer experience.

The selected restaurant will receive $2,000 to put toward an eligible business improvement.

If you feel that you are a worthy candidate, or know of someone who is, we invite you to complete the following short application and submit it by October 31, 2026

Successful entrants will be notified by mid November 2026

Eligibility

The grant is open to:

  • Small to medium-sized restaurants located in British Columbia
  • Independent, locally operated
  • Restaurant business that can demonstrate a specific need for an upgrade, improvement or investment
  • Restaurant business that can clearly explain how the $2,000 award would benefit their operation

Eligible upgrades may include, but are not limited to:

  • Equipment
  • Technology
  • Kitchen or operational improvements
  • Cleaning and sanitation solutions
  • Energy or efficiency improvements
  • Other investments that support the business’s operations, sustainability or profitability

What We’re Looking For

We want to hear from operators who are investing in their business and looking for a little help to take the next step.

Applications should demonstrate:

A clear need — What upgrade or investment does your restaurant need?

Meaningful impact — How will the $2,000 improve your operation?

Practicality — How will the funding be used to make a tangible difference?

Commitment to the industry — Tell us about your business, your community and your vision for its future.

Why Groupex Is Supporting Independent Restaurants

Independent restaurants should not have to operate at a purchasing disadvantage.

Groupex was founded in 1984 by independent Canadian restaurant owners who believed that working together could create stronger purchasing opportunities for everyone.

Today, Groupex helps foodservice operators across Canada benefit from exclusive volume pricing, supplier programs, rebates and industry solutions.

Through a network of major brands, and suppliers, members can find savings across food and beverages, equipment, packaging and paper essentials, cleaning products, technology, financial services and other areas of their operation.

PLEASE FILL IN THE APPLICATION BELOW:

We strongly suggest that you read through this form first, and then gather all the information you need before filling out any of the fields. Your data will not be saved if you go back or submit an incomplete form.

  • You must be a resident of Canada to qualify for the Groupex Grant
  • Applicants must submit 5000 character (max) essay on why they are the best candidate. Prepare your essay in another document so you can track the character limit, and copy and paste your finished text into this field.
  • Upload two letters of recommendation, written by persons closely associated with your restaurant business. This letter should be written by persons other than relatives.
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf, Max. file size: 64 MB.
    • Click the + button on the right of the row to add another reference, to a maximum of 2.
      Full NameCompanyCompany Mailing AddressPhone NumberEmail Address 
    • As a condition of accepting an award from the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia (“CTS”), I agree to release and hold harmless CTS and its officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, sponsors and partners from any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising from or related to my participation in the CTS scholarship, bursary or grant program or my receipt or use of the award, except where such liability cannot legally be excluded. I further agree to indemnify CTS and the other Released Parties against any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising from my participation in the Program, receipt or use of the award, or breach of the Program’s terms and conditions. Should I receive an award from the Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia, permission is granted to use my name for publicity purposes. To the best of my knowledge, all information I have provided is accurate and true and may be verified through any means deemed necessary.

    General Terms and Conditions
    Approved applications are reviewed and evaluated by a panel comprised of representatives of Chefs’ Table Society of BC. All applicants must be Canadian residents.