New Ventures BC Competition
Last Update: July 22, 2025
BC, Canada
Compete for start-up cash and prizes in British Columbia
New Ventures BC Competition at a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $200 to $250,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 1, 2024
- Closing date : October 31, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Grant Providers
- New Ventures BC
- Government of British Columbia
Program status
Closed
Overview of the New Ventures BC Competition program
Compete for cash prizes up to $250,000, as well as education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help launch your new venture.
Financing terms and conditions
The New Ventures BC Competition offers a variety of financing benefits as part of its prize packages, tailored to enhance the growth of startups participating in the competition. The financing modalities are structured through a combination of cash and in-kind services.
- Total cash prizes exceeding $250,000, provided by Innovate BC for distribution among winning teams.
- Complementary access to the Innovate BC Venture Acceleration Program for one year, valued at $2,400, as part of the cash prize package.
- In-kind services from companies such as EY, Fasken, and pushr video, contributing to prize packages for winners.
- Additional in-kind services offered by NVBC’s silver & bronze sponsors.
Eligible projects & activities
Eligible projects and activities for the New Ventures BC Competition are centered around innovative technology ventures with a focus on commercializing new tech products or services. These activities are aimed at fostering growth and development in the tech industry through education, mentorship, feedback, and recognition.
- Participation in educational seminars and workshops to build entrepreneurial skills.
- Engaging in mentorship programs for direct guidance and expert advice.
- Receiving feedback on business plans and pitches from a jury of industry experts.
- Networking with fellow startups, mentors, and potential investors to establish valuable connections.
- Creating and refining a business plan or pitch for competition participation.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 150,000
Implementation of a blockchain-based supply chain tracking system
$ 190,000
Creation of a telehealth platform for mental health services
$ 110,000
Launch of a platform connecting local organic farmers with consumers in real-time
$ 130,000
Developing an AI-powered platform for small business financial management
$ 120,000
Development of a smart irrigation system tailored for urban gardens
$ 140,000
Development of an eco-friendly packaging solution from biodegradable materials
Eligibility criteria of the New Ventures BC Competition program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria for businesses and their operational status.
- Applicants must be BC residents, teams, or businesses.
- Applicants must be offering innovative technology products or services.
- Any technology type is eligible for the competition.
- Applicants must have raised less than $1,000,000 of non-grant funding from any source.
- Applicants must have been operational for less than 5 years.
- Incorporation is not required to apply.
- A $200 entry fee must be paid.
Who is eligible?
BC residents, teams, or businesses that are developing innovative technology products or services are eligible to apply. The competition is open to any type of tech startup, provided they meet the following conditions: they have raised less than $1,000,000 in non-grant funding, are less than 5 years old, incorporation is not required, and they must pay a $200 entry fee.
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
The grant competition focuses on innovative technology product or service startups, specifically targeting those with a high potential for growth and impact within the tech ecosystem. Eligible activities are designed to propel startups by providing educational growth, mentorship, networking, and feedback opportunities.
- Attendance at educational seminars and workshops to learn entrepreneurial skills.
- Participation in mentorship programs that offer pitch practice and feedback.
- Networking with fellow startups, mentors, and potential investors to foster connections.
- Submission of a business plan and pitch to receive expert feedback for improvement.
- Competing for cash and in-kind prizes tailored to advance their startup journey.
Eligible geographic areas
The New Ventures BC Competition is targeted at residents, teams, or businesses located within British Columbia. This geographic focus is aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the tech startup ecosystem within the province.
- British Columbia residents, teams, or businesses.
Eligibility criteria of the New Ventures BC Competition program
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 to the New Ventures BC Competition program
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
Here are additional relevant details for this competition:
- The competition is a six-month program with four rounds, where participants can refine their business plans and pitches through structured stages.
- Participants will have the opportunity to receive mentorship if they reach the top 25, which includes pitch practice and feedback sessions.
- Networking opportunities are provided, allowing participants to engage with mentors, investors, and fellow startups within the tech ecosystem.
- Awards are available not only to the top three finalists but also for specific achievements such as regional impact, SaaS innovation, and women leadership.
- Complimentary access to the Innovate BC Venture Acceleration Program is included with cash prizes from Innovate BC, providing additional support and resources.
- The competition highlights ventures through various recognition awards, increasing visibility and potential investment interest.
Apply to this program
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