BLACK PITCH CONTEST

ELEVATION PITCH

WHICH IDEA WILL WIN $25K?

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Are you a Black entrepreneur with a brilliant business idea?
Enter our Black Pitch Contest to spark and accelerate your growth.

Get Funding

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

Resources

Receive free tools, resources and opportunities to reach more customers.

Support

Access on-demand and live learning sessions. Apply for the Black Business Awards.

Semi-Finalists Will Be Announced Soon!

Black Pitch Contest

YOU COULD WIN UP TO $25,000!

Whether you’re a budding Black entrepreneur hoping to turn your idea into a reality or an established business person looking to grow your enterprise, the Black Pitch Contest is for you! Our contest kick starts a Black entrepreneur’s journey to success—providing new opportunities to start, scale and grow your business.

ABOUT THE PITCH | 2023

AMPLIFICATION OF BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN CANADA

The BEBC Society’s national Black Pitch contest is an opportunity for Black Businesses to learn from mentors, access resources, network and receive support along their entrepreneurial journey. This program is an extension of the BEBC Black Business Summit coordinated and run by BEBC.

In order to compete for the cash reward, participants must enter the Black Pitch Contest before the deadline of December 15th, 2022. After submitting, participants will be judged over the next months by popular vote, and a panel of judges.

The top 5 finalists will pitch their business ideas publicly at the 2023 Black Business Summit, where the top winner will be awarded.

VISION & MISSION

Our mission is to help support Black entrepreneurs & businesses start, grow and attain sustainable success. Our vision is to create a diverse, inclusive and sustainable Black business & community presence in the British Columbia ecosystem, increasing our nationwide economic impact.

PITCH COMPETITION TIMELINE

October 24, 2022

Applications Open

December 15, 2022

Applications Close

January 5, 2023

Pitch Finalist Selections Begins

January 20, 2023

Top 5 Finalists Announced

February 24 & 25, 2023

BEBC Black Business Summit
Live Pitch in Front of Judges
Q&A Session w/Top 5 Finalists

Judges Select Grand Prize Pitcher!

March, 2023

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

POST-PITCH COMPETITION:

March 2023 – Winners Record Podcast Segments with Candace Lauren to Showcase Their Businesses
May 2023 – Video pieces created on impact of the pitch contest on business & the economy

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 February 2023 (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
Play Video

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?

Once applicants confirm they meet all the eligibility requirements for the competition, they can submit an application as followed:

  • Applicants must upload a two-minute video that includes:
    • an autobiography (keep it brief!)
    • the idea they are passionate about
    • an explanation of how the issue/idea impacts your community
    • examples of how they can bring their idea to life!
  • Share the video as a link (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

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

Final Due Date: December 15th, 2022 at 11:59pm PDT

THE PITCH COMPETITION

At BEBC’s Black Business Summit, the Top 5 Finalists will present their pitches
to our panel of judges and are evaluated on the following factors:

PRESENTATION

Have you clearly communicated your business idea, value proposition and a pathway to sustainability and success?

EXECUTION

Have you persuaded the judges that you would carry out your business objectives?

MOTIVATION

Have you explained in detail how you intend to use the funds to begin or take that next step?

MEET OUR TOP 15 SEMI-FINALISTS!

OUR TOP 5 FINALISTS

OUR JUDGES

Apply for Black Pitch Contest

APPLY FOR THE PITCH COMPETITION