New Ventures BC Competition

Q: How much funding can be received?

New Ventures BC Competition Funds up to 250000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the New Ventures BC Competition a grant, loan, or tax credit?

New Ventures BC Competition is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the New Ventures BC Competition?

New Ventures BC Competition is funded by Government of British Columbia, New Ventures BC

Q: 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

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the New Ventures BC Competition?

You can contact Government of British Columbia.

Q: Where is the New Ventures BC Competition available?

The New Ventures BC Competition program is available the province of BC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the New Ventures BC Competition program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the New Ventures BC Competition program.

Q: Are women eligible for the New Ventures BC Competition program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the New Ventures BC Competition program.

Last Update: August 1, 2025

BC, Canada

Compete for start-up cash and prizes in British Columbia

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

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

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

Over $250,000 awarded annually in cash and in-kind services to top finalists, distributed among several prize categories.
Main cash prizes include: $80,000, $45,000, and $25,000, each with additional in-kind service packages.
Specialty cash prizes of $10,000 each awarded for categories such as SaaS innovation, impact on climate change, regional development, and women-led ventures.
In-kind service amounts for prize packages range from $2,000 to $10,000, covering professional advisory and acceleration program access.

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.

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

The applicant must be a BC resident, team, or business.
The company must offer an innovative technology product or service.
The business must have raised less than $1,000,000 of non-grant funding from any source.
The business must be less than 5 years old.
An entry fee of $200 must be paid.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Final Pitch Presentation

Prepare and deliver a final pitch on September 12 & 13.
Present to a jury during the finae pitch event.

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.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the New Ventures BC Competition Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the New Ventures BC Competition. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.