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HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition
Business pitch competition for Hanover entrepreneurs
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Funding available
$ 1,160 - $ 8,085
Location
Hanover, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This competition offers over $11,000 in prizes for entrepreneurs opening, purchasing, or relocating a business in Hanover. Applicants must submit an application, executive summary, written business plan, and oral presentation.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 8,085 $
- Minimum amount : 1,160 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Hanover
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Opening a new business venture in Hanover.
- Purchasing an existing business in Hanover.
- Relocating an existing business to Hanover.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Executive Summary
- Written business plan
- Supporting documentation (copy of audio/visual material)
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition updated for 2026
The competition was updated to the 2026 cycle, with new deadlines, a new mandatory training date, revised application materials, and changed prize allocations.
The 2026 competition outline now shows a September 30, 2026 application and executive-summary deadline, with later milestones on October 5, October 16, October 30, November 6, November 12, and November 16, 2026. The mandatory training session is now set for Friday, October 16, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the application now includes 2026 application, program-outline, and judges-evaluation documents. Eligibility text now refers to businesses opened in 2026, and the prize structure was revised: the winner is now listed at over $6,000, with finalists at over $2,700 and over $2,100 while the total remains over $11,000. The application form also adds a required agreement to attend the training session and a release for information and photography.
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Entrepreneurs
- Small businesses
- Businesses opening in Hanover
- Businesses purchasing or relocating in Hanover
Eligible geographic areas
- Town of Hanover, Ontario
Selection criteria
- Viability of the Business: 60% — clear statement of what the business does, identifiable community need, identified and allocated resources, capable management team, sustained competitive advantage, sound target market analysis, realistic timeframe for business growth, and reasonable opportunity for success.
- Presentation and Ability to Answer Judges’ Questions: 15% — understandable presentation, ability to listen and respond to questions, and passion for the idea.
- Written Business Plan: 15% — professional, organized and coherent document, realistic financial projections, and would warrant an investor moving to the next level.
- Impact on the Community: 10% — creating new jobs or part-time to full-time positions and sourcing products locally.
How to apply
- Fill out the application form attached.
- Send the application with the Executive Summary by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to the Town of Hanover Municipal Office by email, drop-off, or mail.
- If selected as a finalist, attend the mandatory New Business Review & Pitch Camp.
- Submit the written business plan and supporting documentation before the presentation, then deliver the oral presentation and 10-minute Q&A session.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and finalists are announced after the submission deadline.
- Finalists must attend the mandatory training session to remain in the contest.
- Written business plans are reviewed before oral presentations and Q&A.
- A judging panel scores the submissions and selects the winner.
- Results are announced at Council after the awards event.
Additional information
- Finalists must attend the mandatory New Business Review & Pitch Camp.
- Applicants must provide a signed release for use of information and photography.
- Intellectual property will be treated as confidential by the Town and judges.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition Program
What is the HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition?
This competition offers over $11,000 in prizes for entrepreneurs opening, purchasing, or relocating a business in Hanover. Applicants must submit an application, executive summary, written business plan, and oral presentation.
How much funding can be received?
HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition Funds up to $8,085 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition program?
To be eligible for the HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition program, you must:
Business in Hanover
Opened in 2024 eligible
Business plan required
Who can I contact for more information about the HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition?
You can contact Town of Hanover by email at amarshall@hanover.ca or by phone at 519.364.2780 x 1253.
Where is the HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition available?
The HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition a grant, loan, or tax credit?
HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition?
HIPP Entrepreneur Business Pitch Competition is funded by Town of Hanover