Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program Funds up to 100000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program is a Other Support

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program?

Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program is funded by Startup Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program program?

To be eligible for the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program program, you must: • Early-stage, underserved Canadian entrepreneurs • Businesses must be for-profit and actively seeking to scale

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program?

You can contact Startup Canada.

Q: Where is the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program available?

The Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program program.

Last Update: September 2, 2025

Canada

Empowering underserved Canadian entrepreneurs with resources and support

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000

Timeline

Open Date : April 3, 2025

Financing Type

Other Support

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Startup Canada

Program status

Open

Overview

The Startup Canada Equal Slice Program, presented with Pizza Hut, provides up to $100,000 annually in grant funding to support early-stage, underserved Canadian entrepreneurs. The program aims to break down barriers through pitch competitions, educational webinars, and access to essential business resources to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses.

Financing terms and conditions

Annual cash grant funding of $100,000 is available, distributed through national pitch competitions.
Total of $300,000 in direct grants provided over three years to underserved Canadian entrepreneurs.

Activities funded

Participation in national pitch competitions designed for early-stage entrepreneurs to showcase and scale their businesses.
Engagement in educational webinars aimed at developing business skills and strategies.
Access and utilization of a comprehensive business resource hub to support growth and expansion.
Connecting and networking with industry experts, ecosystem partners, and fellow entrepreneurs through organized events and tour stops.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 98,000

Launching a sustainable fashion line with national pitch support

$ 75,000

Promoting Black-owned wellness startup through national networking events

$ 99,000

Participating in pitch competitions for a migrant-led delivery platform

$ 91,000

Expanding accessible tech for disabled users via pitch contests

$ 80,000

Showcasing Indigenous food products at national competitions

$ 99,000

Attending national pitch events and scaling tutoring app service

Eligibility

The applicant must be an early stage entrepreneur in Canada.
The applicant must be part of an underserved or equity-seeking community.
The business must be seeking to start, grow, or scale operations within Canada.

Who is eligible?

Early stage entrepreneurs
Underserved Canadian entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs from systemically excluded or equity-seeking communities

Eligible geographic areas

Entrepreneurs across Canada

How to apply

Review program details

Review the available information about the Equal Slice Program
Understand the eligibility requirements for early stage underserved Canadian entrepreneurs
Familiarize yourself with pitch competition formats and grant opportunities

Prepare application materials

Prepare your business information and pitch materials
Gather supporting documents as may be required for your application
Review the application process and important deadlines

Submit application online

Submit your application online once the application window opens
Apply early to secure your spot, as spots are limited
Ensure all required materials are included with your submission

Await application results

Wait for a response after submitting your application
Monitor your email for application updates and potential competition invitations

Additional information

The program operates in partnership with Pizza Hut Canada.
Applications for pitch competitions open from April 3 and will close when all spots are filled.
The Business Owner’s Toolbox offers over 100 curated resources, updated regularly throughout the year.
Entrepreneurs can access a weekly newsletter with program updates, events, and resources.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program. 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.

What is the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program?

Participation in national pitch competitions designed for early-stage entrepreneurs to showcase and scale their businesses. Engagement in educational webinars aimed at developing business skills and strategies. Access and utilization of a comprehensive business resource hub to support growth and expansion. Connecting and networking with industry experts, ecosystem partners, and fellow entrepreneurs through organized events and tour stops.