Closed
New Ventures BC Competition
Compete for start-up cash and prizes in British Columbia
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 200 - $ 250,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 1, 2024
- Closing date : October 31, 2024
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Compete for cash prizes up to $250,000, as well as education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help launch your new venture.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Minimum amount : 200 $
Timeline
- Open Date : July 1, 2024
- Closing date : October 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 1,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and commercialization of innovative technology products or services.
- Participation in educational seminars and networking events for tech ventures.
- Advancement of business ideas in the technology sector through rigorous pitch competitions and mentoring.
- Implementation of business plans aimed at market validation and expansion.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Startups developing innovative technology products or services
- Businesses operating in any type of tech industry
Who is not eligible
Based on the information provided, there are specific eligibility criteria for companies to qualify for this grant:
- BC residents, teams, or businesses
- Innovative technology product or services
- Any type of tech
- Raised less than $1,000,000 of non-grant funding from any source
- Less than 5 years old
- Incorporation not required
- Pay $200 entry fee
Eligible expenses
- Cash prizes awarded to winning startups.
- In-kind legal services (e.g., from EY and Fasken).
- In-kind video production services.
- In-kind business consulting and mentorship.
- Access to business acceleration programs.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia (BC) residents, teams, or businesses
Selection criteria
The New Ventures BC Competition has specific evaluation and selection criteria to determine the winners. The criteria include factors such as innovation, technology, funding status, age of the company, and incorporation requirements.
- BC residents, teams, or businesses
- Innovative technology product or services
- Any type of tech
- Raised less than $1,000,000 of non-grant funding from any source
- Less than 5 years old
- Incorporation not required
- Pay $200 entry fee
How to apply
1
Registration and Application Submission
- Register for the competition before the Round 1 deadline by paying the $200 entry fee.
- Submit your registration and describe your business idea by April 11, 11:59 pm.
2
Feasibility Test Submission
- Prepare a 5-page document addressing specific questions about your business idea.
- Submit the feasibility test by May 1, 5:00 pm.
- Top 15 entries will automatically advance to the next round; 25 additional pitches may be invited for a chance to advance.
3
Pitch Preparation and Submission
- Participate in the Pitch Day on June 14.
- Pitch your business to a panel, where 10 companies will advance to Round 3 based on their presentations.
4
Venture Plan Development
- Work with a mentor team to develop an 8-page condensed venture plan.
- Submit the venture plan by July 31, 5:00 pm.
5
Final Pitch Presentation
- Prepare and deliver a final pitch on September 12 & 13.
- Present to a jury during the finae pitch event.
6
Await Results
Wait for the announcement of winners at the Awards Ceremony in October.
Additional information
- Winners and finalists receive significant media exposure and brand recognition within the BC tech ecosystem.
- Mentorship opportunities are available for teams that advance to the Top 25.
- Specialty prizes are available for categories such as SaaS, Climate Impact, Regional Impact, and Woman-led ventures.
- Award announcements and prizes are presented live at the Awards Ceremony in October.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Ventures BC Competition Program
What is the New Ventures BC Competition?
Compete for cash prizes up to $250,000, as well as education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help launch your new venture.
How much funding can be received?
New Ventures BC Competition Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was October 31, 2024.
Who is eligible for the New Ventures BC Competition program?
To be eligible for the New Ventures BC Competition program, you must:
BC-based teams or businesses
Innovative technology product or service
Raised less than $1,000,000 non-grant funding
What expenses are eligible under New Ventures BC Competition?
Development and commercialization of innovative technology products or services.
Participation in educational seminars and networking events for tech ventures.
Advancement of business ideas in the technology sector through rigorous pitch competitions and mentoring.
Implementation of business plans aimed at market validation and expansion.
Who can I contact for more information about the New Ventures BC Competition?
You can contact Government of British Columbia (BC).
Where is the New Ventures BC Competition available?
The New Ventures BC Competition program is available the province of British Columbia.