Apply to the Innovate and Elevate Pitch Competition!
Do you have an early-stage business for which you’re looking to build momentum? 🧱
Do you have an established business that you’re ready to take to the next level? 🚀
Whether you’re in the beginning stages of your entrepreneurial journey or are ready to take your business to new heights, Innovate & Elevate is an opportunity for Black founders in Atlantic Canada to practice their 3-minute business pitches and receive feedback from peers and industry professionals.
Black founders across Atlantic Canada are welcome to apply today to the first wave of this challenge. To apply, submit the application form, along with your choice of a 6-slide pitch deck or 3-minute video. Successful applicants will be chosen to proceed to the live pitch (May 23rd).
Applications due by: May 5th
Why Should I Apply?
Designed for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey, this challenge is split into two streams: “Start” for those with new ventures and “Build” for businesses at the growth stage.
This event is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to present their innovations to a broad audience, receive expert feedback, and undergo personalized pitch coaching—and you’ll be able to do so, virtually, from wherever you are most comfortable!
Innovate & Elevate is your chance to…
- Receive feedback on your business idea
- Get startup support from Tribe Network
- Compete to win a $500 Visa gift card
- Perfect your pitch!
Pitch Competition Timeline
This will be a recurring challenge rolling out quarterly, starting with our Spring cohort this April:
Spring Pitch Competition
- Call for applications: April 15th
- Deadline for application: May 5th
- Finalists revealed: May 10th
- Pitch day: May 23rd
Fall Pitch Competition – late 2024 (dates TBD)
Winter Pitch Competition – early 2025 (dates TBD)
The Application Process
To apply, please submit the application form, accompanied by a 6-slide pitch deck (in PDF format) or a 3-minute video outlining the following:
- Introduction: A brief introduction to yourself and your team
- Problem: Clearly articulate the problem your business solves
- Solution: Describe your unique solution and its value proposition
- Market Potential: Highlight your target market size and customers
- Progress/Results: For existing businesses, share significant achievements or milestones
- Call to Action: Specify what you’re seeking (investment, partnerships, users to try the product/service etc.)
For additional support on how to build a winning pitch deck, check out our course: How to Pitch to Investors and Tell Your Story
Pitches will be accepted from individuals and groups, up to a maximum of 4 people per team.
Judges Reviews: Judges will review the submissions on a rolling basis and choose the top startups that will pitch in two categories (Category 1: Start; Category 2: Build). Finalists will be announced on May 10th.
One-on-One Pitch Coaching: Selected pitches will have the opportunity to get coaching and support ahead of the pitch competition to hone their pitch, maximizing their chances of success.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to submit a pitch, you must…
- Have one team member who identifies as being Black or African Canadian
- Be based in Atlantic Canada
Awards
A $500 Visa gift card will be awarded per category to support the continued development and innovation of your business!
The Event
Finalists will present their final pitches in front of a panel of experts and industry leaders on May 23rd.
Join us for an online pitch event where we bring the excitement of 3-minute pitches to the virtual stage.
Event Highlights:
- 3-Minute Pitches: Participants have 180 seconds to pitch their business ideas or models, focusing on precision and impact.
- Post-Event Feedback: After the event, detailed feedback and insights will be shared with each presenter, offering learnings to take away.
Frequently Asked Questions (for participants)
Ahead of the Pitch Day, participants will be told the order in which they will pitch.
Participating founders will be expected to join the Zoom call on time. Once it’s your turn to pitch, you will be called upon and given 3 minutes to pitch.
We’ll take 2 minute breaks between pitches to allow judges time to complete their evaluation.
Judges will evaluate participants according to the following criteria:
- Ability to describe the problem
- Description of the solution and how it is different from the existing alternatives
- Knowledge and experience of the founder / team
- Delivery of the pitch (how clearly it’s communicated)
Best of luck to all entrants!