ScaleUP! Kansas City, a free training program for small business owners, is taking applications now through April 19 for its next cohort.

The 16-week course is designed to help companies “get over the hump” and generate more than $1 million in annual revenue. Participants must have been in business at least two years, have annual sales of $150,000 or more, and be active in a market that could support more than $1 million in sales.

Up to 15 business owners will be chosen for this cohort, which is ScaleUP! KC’s fourth. The group will begin meeting in May 19. Participants will be exposed to training, mentoring and networking that will show them how they can grow their companies.

ScaleUP! Kansas City is a joint effort of the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Innovation Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Kansas City was one of the first cities in the nation to receive SBA support to create a ScaleUP! program.

“The resources we were introduced to and the guidance we had through those weeks has helped my company get ready for the next stage of growth,” said Chris Rosburg, owner of CR Promotions and a ScaleUP! alumnus from the second cohort. “We have implemented an advisory board and marketing strategy so far and have seen great results from it. Since graduating from the program, we have seen sales increases by 25 percent each month.”

To apply for ScaleUP! Kansas City or to learn more about the program, visit this website.