Startup Canada Equal Slice Pitch Competitions

With the belief that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, the Startup Canada Equal Slice Program offers pitch competitions, educational support, and tailored business tools to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their ventures.

📖 About Startup Canada Equal Slice Pitch Competitions

Startup Canada and Pizza Hut have joined forces to empower entrepreneurs by providing access to funding, educational webinars, and business resources that help break down systemic barriers. Through this exciting three-year partnership, they will provide $300,000 in cash grants to underserved Canadian entrepreneurs.

The program includes:

• Two national Pitch Competitions per year.
• Expert-led webinars.
• Access to the Business Owner's Toolbox, a hub of educational resources, templates, and guides to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Opportunity Details:

• Date Published: May 21, 2025
• Application Deadline: Ongoing
• Category: Contest, Grants
• Opportunity Locations: Canada
• Eligible Locations: Canada

🎁 Benefits of Startup Canada Equal Slice Pitch Competitions

This pitch competition is not just about competing—it’s about building connections, receiving feedback, and taking your business to the next level. Participants will gain:

• The chance to win $100,000 in cash grants to help grow their business.
• Expert mentorship from industry leaders and stakeholders.
• Networking opportunities with potential partners, investors, and collaborators.
• National exposure for their business.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

This competition is for early-stage entrepreneurs building their businesses in Canada. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Business is at least 50% owned by someone from an equity-seeking community, such as:
  • Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis.
  • 2SLGBTQI+.
  • Newcomer/Immigrant.
  • Black and other racialized communities (East Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Mixed race).
  • Women entrepreneurs.
• Less than $1,000,000 in revenue as of April 3, 2025.
• Less than $1,000,000 in fundraising (grants, investments, crowdfunding, pitch competitions, etc.).
• Business has been in operation for less than 5 years.
• Business/operations are based in Canada.

🏆 Judging Criteria

Pitches will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Target Market: Who are your customers?
• Objective: What problem are you solving?
• Solution: How innovative and impactful is your solution?
• Leadership: How capable is your team?
• Traction: Have you gained any traction or proof of concept?
• Competition: How does your solution stand out from others?

📅 Application Date and Process

• In-person Competition: Register here - Toronto, June 10, 2025
• Virtual Competition: Register here - October 7, 2025

🌐 Additional Information

For more details and to apply, visit the official Startup Canada Equal Slice Program page.

• The chance to win $100,000 in cash grants to help grow your business.
• Expert mentorship from industry leaders and stakeholders.
• Networking with potential partners, investors, and collaborators.
• A unique opportunity to gain national exposure.