Closed
New Ventures BC Competition
Last Update: March 4, 2026
British Columbia, Canada
Compete for start-up cash and prizes in British Columbia
Grant and Funding
Overview
Compete for cash prizes up to $250,000, as well as education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help launch your new venture.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop a new product
- Selling in a new market
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
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 1,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
- Women
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:
$ 190,000
Creation of a telehealth platform for mental health services
$ 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
$ 150,000
Implementation of a blockchain-based supply chain tracking system
$ 110,000
Launch of a platform connecting local organic farmers with consumers in real-time
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
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.
