Deadline: Ongoing
The Startup Canada Equal Slice Virtual Pitch Competition 2025 is now open for applications. This exciting opportunity is designed to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs across Canada, giving them the chance to pitch their businesses, receive expert feedback, and secure valuable grant funding. With a total of $10,000 CAD available for winners, this is an excellent chance to scale your startup and gain visibility.
About the Startup Canada Equal Slice Virtual Pitch Competition 2025
Organised under the Startup Canada Equal Slice Program, the competition supports equity-deserving entrepreneurs by providing access to funding, visibility, and resources. The programme is especially focused on underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship, including Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQI+, newcomer, women, people with disabilities, and other racialised communities.
This initiative, in partnership with Pizza Hut’s Equal Slice Program, is a powerful way to address barriers in entrepreneurship and provide financial backing for diverse founders.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Startup Canada Equal Slice Virtual Pitch Competition 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship/Residency: Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Ownership: Must be the founder/owner/co-founder/co-owner of the business with at least 51% ownership. The applicant must also be an active decision-maker in the company.
- Business Location: The business must be headquartered and operating in Canada.
- Business Stage: Must have been in operation for at least two years with a product or service already in the market.
- Revenue Requirement: The business must have had annual revenues of no more than $400,000 CAD in at least one year.
- Equity-deserving Group: Applicants must identify as part of an underrepresented community such as women, Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQI+, newcomers, people with disabilities, or other racialised groups.
- Exclusion: Previous recipients of grants from the Pizza Hut Equal Slice Program are not eligible.
Competition Format
The Startup Canada Equal Slice Virtual Pitch Competition 2025 will be hosted online in one day and will feature two rounds:
- Morning Heats (Round One)
- All applicants present their pitches.
- Judges select the Top 10 finalists.
- Final Round
- The Top 10 finalists will deliver a 3-minute pitch, followed by a 3-minute Q&A session with the judging panel.
- From these, the Top 5 winners will be selected.
What Winners Receive
The Top 5 entrepreneurs will each receive a $10,000 CAD grant to support their businesses. Beyond funding, participants gain exposure, feedback, and access to a strong entrepreneurial network.
Why You Should Apply
This competition is not just about funding — it’s about opening doors for diverse founders. Participating in the Startup Canada Equal Slice Virtual Pitch Competition 2025 provides:
- Access to funding to grow your business.
- Visibility on a national stage.
- Feedback from experienced judges.
- Networking with other entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders.
Application Deadline
Applications are currently open. Don’t miss this chance to secure support for your startup and join a growing community of equity-deserving entrepreneurs in Canada.
📌 Click here to Apply
📖 Read more about the programme
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