Applications are now open for the 2016 edition of the Catapult Fund, a program designed to support entrepreneurs in the culinary arts.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation partnered with four organizations to develop the Catapult Fund, which provides training and funding to small business owners in the food industry. Eligible applicants must have small Louisiana-based businesses in the food industry, from restaurants, chefs, and caterers to food trucks, manufacturers, and cooking schools.

The Catapult Fund will select 12 businesses to receive a four-month, 16-session course of business training and a chance to be awarded grants from a pool totaling $75,000 if all aspects of the program are completed successfully.

“With the explosion of entrepreneurship in our region, we also want to support those businesses working in the arts that are contributing to the development of a sustainable cultural industry,” said Executive Director Don Marshall in a public statement. “The Catapult fund is an example of how we’re continuing to find ways to support our community with innovative new programs.”

The Jazz & Heritage Foundation will host several workshops to provide assistance with the online application process. The Ashé Cultural Arts Center will serve as a “drop in” center for those seeking individual assistance with the application or access to computers.

Application assistance workshops will be held at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center on Monday, May 9 at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 at 4:30 p.m. and Monday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m.

The application deadline for this pilot program is May 27, 2016. Visit the Catapult Fund website for more information on eligibility and how to apply.