The Scale-Up Hub program, which began in New England three years ago, is expanding to include the South-Eastern U.S. with the launch of Scale-Up Hub Atlanta.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the four provincial governments on Monday announced the opening of the program and called for high-growth, innovation-driven companies to apply.

In the Scale-Up Hub program, Atlantic Canadian companies commit to spending extended periods in a major city with the aim of gaining clients and developing a network. The 2021 programs will be virtual until health regulations allow for travel.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. launched the program in 2018 as a vehicle to help scaling companies establish a base in Cambridge, MA., and generate sales. The project aims to give growing tech companies long-term exposure to a major market, allowing them to develop a customer base that will hopefully continue to grow after their term with the program ends.

It is now funded by the federal government and all four Atlantic Provinces to ensure companies across the region can benefit. As many as 10 companies will be accepted.

Interested companies can apply here with a deadline of April 9.