New Ventures BC Competition

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

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

• Step 1: Registration and Business Idea Submission
  • Visit the official New Ventures BC Competition website during the application window.
  • Complete the registration form with required business and participant information.
  • Pay the entry fee as specified in the competition guidelines.
  • Describe your business idea as part of your initial submission.
• Step 2: Feasibility Test Submission
  • Prepare a detailed response (up to 5 pages) addressing specific questions about your business idea as outlined by the competition.
  • Submit your feasibility test by the indicated deadline through the competition’s submission platform.
• Step 3: Pitch Presentation (For Selected Applicants)
  • If selected after the feasibility test, prepare and deliver a pitch presentation to the competition jury on Pitch Day.
  • Respond to jury questions and present your business case for advancing to the next round.
• Step 4: Condensed Venture Plan Submission
  • If advanced, collaborate with an assigned mentorship team.
  • Prepare an 8-page condensed venture plan with guidance from mentors.
  • Submit your venture plan via the competition's designated platform by the deadline.
• Step 5: Final Pitch to Jury
  • If selected as a Top 10 finalist, present an in-person pitch to the jury during the final round.
• Step 6: Awards and Announcement
  • Attend the Awards Ceremony, where winners are announced and prizes are distributed.

• 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.