BLACK PITCH CONTEST

ELEVATE YOUR VISION

Which idea will win $25K?

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Enter our Black Pitch Contest to spark and accelerate your growth.

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Win up to $25,000 in cash prizes to unlock opportunities. Get recognized nationally by your peers.

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Semi-Finalists Will Be Announced Soon!

Black Pitch Contest

YOU COULD WIN UP TO $25,000!

You’re smart. You work hard. You have dreams. 

But the road to building your business seems blocked by obstacles at every turn. 

We believe in you. And we’re here to help.

Enter the Black Pitch Contest NOW to win up to $25,000, learn from mentors, and connect with experts that can transform your life. Apply right now.

WHAT IS THE BLACK PITCH CONTEST?

AMPLIFICATION OF BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN CANADA

The Black Pitch Contest is a program operated by the Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society, a non-profit organization brimming with confidence in Canadian Black business. Winners will be announced at this year’s Black Business Summit, also put on by the BEBC, where Black entrepreneurs from across the country gather to dream bigger, aim higher, and break business barriers to thrive. This year’s summit is a hybrid event, with tickets available virtually and in-person in Vancouver, Canada. Register now for an early bird rate.

In order to compete for the cash reward, participants must enter the Black Pitch Contest before the deadline of February 20th, 2024. After submitting, participants will be judged over the next months by popular public vote, and a panel of judges.

The top 5 finalists will pitch their business ideas publicly at the 2024 Black Business Summit, where the top winner will be awarded.

PITCH COMPETITION TIMELINE

February 20, 2024

Applications Close

March 4 - 20, 2024

Public Voting for Top 15 of 30

March 26, 2024

Top 30 Finalists Announced

April 2, 2024

Top 15 Finalists Announced

April 8, 2024

Top 5 Finalists Announced

Preparations for Live Pitches at the Summit!

May 24 & 25, 2024

Black Business Summit

Live Pitch in Front of Judges

Judges Select Grand Prize Pitcher

POST-PITCH COMPETITION:

June 2024
Top 5 Finalists Receive Access to: Advisory Circles, 1-on-1 Mentoring, Pitch Bootcamps & more!

CONTEST OVERVIEW

  • Rules: One vote per day. The 15 top-voted pitches will advance to Round 2, comprising the overall Top 30 pitches.
  • After the submission and public voting deadline of March 20th, 2024, remaining video pitches will undergo private evaluation based on originality, problem relevance, and solution viability. An additional 15 pitches will be selected for the overall Top 30.
  • A second set of judges will narrow down the pool to the Top 15 pitches by process of elimination.
  • From the Top 15, the elimination process will further refine the selection to the Top 5 pitches.
  • The Top 5 finalists will convene in Vancouver, British Columbia, to deliver their pitches in person, competing for prizes. The winner will be announced at the Black Business Summit on May 24th and 25th, 2024 at the Reliance Theatre.

TOP 30 FINALISTS

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Prior to applicant consideration and in order to proceed with the application process, each contestant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • A legal resident of Canada
  • Any age or gender in any industry
  • Open to registering as a Canadian business
  • The founder or majority shareholder(s) must self-identify as Black
  • Must be passionate about the idea they are pitching
  • The applicant must understand that funding is taxable (business taxes as reported income)
  • If named as a Finalist, applicants must be available to attend BEBC’s Black Business
    Summit in-person in May 2024 (purchasing of Summit ticket(s) will be their sole responsibility)
  • Applicants are a member of the BEBC Society, or must sign-up upon entering the Pitch Contest
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ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?

Applying is easy.

Step 1: Fill out the form below

Step 2: Record a video of yourself making your pitch to the camera

Your video must include:

  • an autobiography (keep it brief!)
  • the idea you’re passionate about
  • an explanation of how the issue/idea impacts your community
  • examples of how you can bring your idea to life!
  • Share the video as a link in the application form (can be submitted as an unlisted YouTube link or a link from Google Drive, etc.)
  • All application forms and waivers must be completed and signed
 

Step 3: Ask friends and family to get ready to vote when public voting begins!

After reviewing the eligibility forms and conducting a background check to ensure that each applicant is eligible, the Committee will review submitted application videos. All candidates can expect to be contacted.

Final Due Date: February 20, 2024 at 11:59pm PST

MEET LAST YEAR'S WINNER

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APPLY FOR THE PITCH COMPETITION