Looking to win funding or just get your name out there? These competitions for startups in Canada could help put your company on the map.
The N100 allows companies to gain considerable repute and a substantial $100,000. Although startups currently located anywhere are eligible to compete, ultimately they must establish operations in Northumberland in order to receive the $100,000 investment. The contest focuses on three Rounds: The Pitch, Business Planning and Negotiation. The cash prize is in the form of a convertible note that will support key milestones in their development. The competition runs every year from March to July. N100's impetus is to enable the acceleration of high growth potential startups and to position them for follow-on investment.
Venturelab posts a wide range of varied startup competitions and pitch opportunities for those involved in science, nutrition, social ventures and more. This website is definitely worth keeping tabs on if you are a Canadian startup looking for funding. For example, they listed the GlobalStart Pitch Competition, a great way to get renown and obtain capital. The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is holding its first GlobalStart Pitch Competition at Discovery 2016 this year in partnership with KIGA Labs and the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development. Three Ontario companies will be selected as finalists to compete for an OCE GlobalStart award of $15,000 to help them access the global market that they have identified. Innovative, technology-based start-ups from Ontario that are at the customer validation or customer creation stage are encouraged to apply.
Ignite Capital offers Canadian startup competitions for an audience that has either female, Aboriginal, young (18-29) or immigrant entrepreneurs at their helm. They are offered the chance to win $20,000. They merely need to be willing to share their story, business plan and present to a panel of business experts. Ignite Capital was founded to help aspiring Canadian entrepreneurs, who have limited access to startup capital, the opportunity to compete for start-up funding and support program. Applicants have a chance to compete for a $20,000 award ($10,000 grant/$10,000 loan) in each category. The second runner up will receive a $10,000 loan and third a $5,000 loan . Judges will be looking for candidates to showcase their great idea, as well as business expertise, passion to succeed and ability to grow.
The QEC is an international business pitch competition held in Toronto, it is open to applicants from Canada, as well as across the world. Over $60,000 is available for startups in prizes dedicated to jump-starting their businesses. The QEC insists this startup competition is about more than money. It states that it provides an opportunity to reinforce your brand's reputation as an innovator and leader at Canada's most prestigious business school, plus gain exposure to national and international mentorship contacts and benefit from media attention for your business.
NACO's annual pitch competition is a selective opportunity for dynamic Canadian startups companies to obtain funding and guidance from Angel investors and expert judges. Handpicked from amongst Canada's emerging startups, every October this experienced NACO panel ensures the winner is guaranteed funding through the angel investors and the startup then gains repute by being crowned the Most Promising Startup of the Year by KPMG Enterprise.
