Startup Canada Equal Slice Pitch Competitions 2025

Applications are open for the Startup Canada Equal Slice Pitch Competitions 2025. 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. 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.

Through this exciting three-year partnership with Pizza Hut, they will provide $300,000 in cash grants to underserved Canadian entrepreneurs! The program will expand its impact by hosting two national Pitch Competitions per year, offering expert-led webinars, and powering the Business Owner’s Toolbox—a vital hub of educational resources, templates, and guides to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Benefits of Equal Slice Pitch

This pitch competition isn’t just about competing—it’s about building connections, receiving feedback, and taking your business to the next level. Pitching gives you:

• 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.

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Eligibility for Equal Slice Pitch

This competition is for early-stage entrepreneurs who are building their businesses in Canada. If you meet the following criteria, you can apply:

• 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.).
• Less than 5 years of operation.
• Business/operations based in Canada.

Judging Criteria

Pitches will be evaluated based on:

• 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?

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