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Source verified July 12, 2026
Melamoon 2026
Toronto pitch competition for Black founders
Latest source updateLast Update: July 11, 2026Latest change: The application form now shows Toronto, a new July 18, 2026 close date, and a pitch rubric link for applicants to review.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 11, 2026
Latest change: The application form now shows Toronto, a new July 18, 2026 close date, and a pitch rubric link for applicants to review.
Melamoon application moves to Toronto
The apply to melamoon page now says applicants should apply for Toronto instead of Vancouver, and the close date shown on the page moved from June 14, 2026 at 9:00 PM EST / 6:00 PM PST to July 18, 2026 at 9:00 PM EDT. A pitch rubric PDF link was also added, so applicants now have an additional document to review before submitting their application.
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 100,000
Deadline
July 18, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Melamoon 2026 is a national pitch competition for Black founders in Canada, offering non-dilutive cash prizes and visibility to support business growth. Selected entrepreneurs can pitch live, join a national cohort, and gain access to mentorship, investor exposure, and ecosystem connections.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Minimum amount : 25,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 1,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Black Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Participation in a city-based pitch competition.
- Advancement through regional preliminaries and a national cohort.
- Pitching at the Toronto grand finale for cash prizes.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Black founders and Black-owned businesses.
- Canadian-based early-stage businesses.
- Businesses in consumer products and services, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, or AI.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses not based in Canada.
- Businesses that are not at least 51% owned and operated by Black or African-descent individuals.
- Businesses that have raised more than $1,000,000 in dilutive capital.
- Businesses with direct affiliation to large corporations, investment funds, or government entities.
Selection criteria
- Strength of the business idea and pitch.
- Fit with the program’s focus on Black entrepreneurship in Canada.
- Advancement through the city preliminary round to the national cohort.
- Selection of finalists for the Toronto grand finale.
How to apply
- Step 1: Check eligibility
- Review the program requirements before applying.
- Confirm the business matches the selected city and eligibility rules.
- Step 2: Complete the online application
- Use the application form on the Melamoon website.
- Submit the application for the chosen city during its open window.
- Step 3: Await selection
- Eligible founders are considered for the city preliminary round.
- Selected applicants are contacted for the next stage.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed during a city-specific one-week application window.
- Selected founders pitch live in their city during the preliminary stage.
- Top founders advance to the next stage and a national cohort is formed.
- Finalists are selected for the Toronto grand finale.
- Winners are announced at the final pitch event.
Additional information
- All eligibility decisions are made at the discretion of FACE.
- The program is presented in collaboration with BLAXPO and powered by Interac.
- Melamoon includes a five-city roadshow and a grand finale in Toronto.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Melamoon 2026 Program
What is the Melamoon 2026?
Melamoon 2026 is a national pitch competition for Black founders in Canada, offering non-dilutive cash prizes and visibility to support business growth. Selected entrepreneurs can pitch live, join a national cohort, and gain access to mentorship, investor exposure, and ecosystem connections.
How much funding can be received?
Melamoon 2026 Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Melamoon 2026 program?
To be eligible for the Melamoon 2026 program, you must:
51% Black-owned and operated
Canadian-based founder and business
Under 10 years in operation
What expenses are eligible under Melamoon 2026?
Participation in a city-based pitch competition.
Advancement through regional preliminaries and a national cohort.
Pitching at the Toronto grand finale for cash prizes.
Who can I contact for more information about the Melamoon 2026?
You can contact Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the Melamoon 2026 available?
The Melamoon 2026 program is available across Canada.
Who are the financial supporters of the Melamoon 2026?
Melamoon 2026 is funded by Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE)