Deadline: August 15, 2025
The Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses 2025 is set to empower and elevate Black entrepreneurs across Canada by offering substantial non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and strategic networking opportunities. Powered by the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE Coalition) and Black Ambition—the U.S. nonprofit founded by Pharrell Williams—this competition is more than just a funding opportunity; it’s a launchpad for business growth, cultural innovation, and community impact.
Overview of the Melamoon Pitch Competition 2025
The Melamoon Pitch Competition is designed to spotlight innovative, early-stage Black-owned businesses in Canada. It provides winners with equity-free capital, business mentorship, and national visibility, helping founders to scale their ventures without giving up ownership.
- Event Dates: September 26–27, 2025
- Location: Globe and Mail Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
Why This Competition Stands Out
The Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses 2025 is not just about winning prize money—it’s about gaining access to resources that help you succeed long after the event. All finalists receive:
- Equity-free / non-dilutive funding (no ownership or shares are taken)
- Pre-event virtual workshops and coaching from industry experts
- Access to a network of investors, mentors, and peers in Canada’s Black entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Exposure to media, potential customers, and strategic partners
Event Structure
The Melamoon Pitch Competition runs over two days:
Day 1 – So Ambitious Dinner (26 September 2025)
An exclusive, invite-only dinner for 120 participants, including the top 50 shortlisted applicants. This evening will feature curated networking, storytelling, and a fireside chat designed to inspire and connect like-minded innovators.
Day 2 – Live Pitch Competition (27 September 2025)
Six finalists will pitch their business ideas live to a panel of judges for a share of $200,000 in prize money:
- 1st Place: $100,000
- 2nd Place: $50,000
- 3rd Place: $25,000
- People’s Choice Award: $25,000
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses 2025, applicants must:
- Be Black founders based in Canada
- Operate in one of the following sectors:
- Consumer Products & Services
- Healthcare
- Media & Entertainment
- Technology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Have not raised over $1 million in dilutive funding
- Have no conflict of interest with FACE Coalition or Black Ambition partners
Selection Process
The competition follows a two-stage selection process:
- Top 50 Shortlist – Selected applicants will gain access to virtual workshops, mentorship, and pre-event preparation.
- Final 6 – From the top 50, six businesses will advance to the live pitch competition for a chance to win the grand prizes.
Prize Breakdown
| Position | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $100,000 |
| 2nd Place | $50,000 |
| 3rd Place | $25,000 |
| People’s Choice Award | $25,000 |
How to Apply
Applications are currently open and will close on 15 August 2025. Don’t miss your chance to compete for funding and gain the resources to take your business to the next level.
The Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses 2025 is a golden opportunity to access funding, mentorship, and valuable business networks—without giving up equity. Whether you are innovating in consumer goods, health, entertainment, tech, or AI, this competition could be the boost your venture needs.
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
