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Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program
Empowering underserved entrepreneurs across Canada
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.
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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 $
- Minimum 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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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.
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Equal Slice event access updates
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.
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.
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 are not eligible to participate in this pitch competition.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Target Market, Objective, Solution, Leadership, Traction, Competition, and Community Stewardship.
How to apply
- Apply by registering for this event.
Processing and Agreement
- A Startup Canada team member will review your application.
- If you are eligible, you will be emailed a confirmation with a pitch time and Zoom link no later than 3 weeks before the pitch day.
Additional information
- This program is presented in partnership with Pizza Hut.
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
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 belonging to equity-seeking communities.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Businesses founded and based/headquartered in Canada, operating with a product or service in market for at least two years and with annual revenues between $50,000 and $400,000 CAD.
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