Open
Source verified July 5, 2026
Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program
Supporting underserved Canadian entrepreneurs with funding
Latest source updateLast Update: July 4, 2026Latest change: Several Startup Canada Equal Slice 2026 event pages changed their registration status, including closed, past event, and waitlist states, which affects how applicants can join or follow the sessions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 4, 2026
Latest change: Several Startup Canada Equal Slice 2026 event pages changed their registration status, including closed, past event, and waitlist states, which affects how applicants can join or follow the sessions.
Equal Slice event access updates
Supporting Startup Canada Equal Slice 2026 event pages now show updated participation states: the in-person pitch competition is closed, the November 24 virtual pitch competition is full with a waitlist, and the September 1 webinar remains open for registration. Two webinar pages also now show Past Event status, and several pages replace Subscribe with Follow while preserving the same program topics, dates, and cash grant details, including the $100,000 pitch competition pool and $300,000 in total cash grants for the three-year partnership.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Startup Canada Equal Slice Program offers up to $100,000 annually in cash grants for underserved Canadian entrepreneurs. It also includes pitch competitions, expert-led webinars, and access to Startup Canada’s Business Owner’s Toolbox to support business growth.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
- Start a business
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- From $ 50,000 to $ 400,000 in revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- National pitch competitions for early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Expert-led webinars for business skills development.
- Business resource support through Startup Canada’s Business Owner’s Toolbox.
- Networking opportunities at Startup Canada Tour stops.
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Early-stage entrepreneurs
- Equity-seeking and underserved entrepreneurs
- Canadian founders and business owners
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who previously received a grant from another Pizza Hut Equal Slice Program.
- Companies outside the eligible equity-seeking and underserved communities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Judges assess target market, objective, solution, leadership, traction, competition, and community stewardship.
How to apply
- Join the waitlist for the virtual pitch competition if additional spots become available.
Processing and Agreement
- Registration for the virtual pitch competition is no longer open; applicants may join the waitlist and will be notified if additional spots become available.
- Registration for the in-person pitch competition is closed.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program Program
What is the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program?
The Startup Canada Equal Slice Program offers up to $100,000 annually in cash grants for underserved Canadian entrepreneurs. It also includes pitch competitions, expert-led webinars, and access to Startup Canada’s Business Owner’s Toolbox to support business growth.
How much funding can be received?
Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
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 entrepreneurs
Equity-seeking communities
Canadian businesses in market
What expenses are eligible under Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program?
National pitch competitions for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Expert-led webinars for business skills development.
Business resource support through Startup Canada’s Business Owner’s Toolbox.
Networking opportunities at Startup Canada Tour stops.
Where is the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program available?
The Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program?
Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program is funded by Startup Canada