Open
Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program
Supporting underserved Canadian entrepreneurs with funding
Last Update: June 18, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 18, 2026
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 : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : June 18, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- 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
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
- Step 1: Register for the pitch competition
- Choose the in-person or virtual pitch event.
- Complete the event registration form for the competition.
- Step 2: Application review
- Startup Canada reviews your application for eligibility.
- If selected, you receive a confirmation and pitch details by email.
- Step 3: Pitch competition
- Attend the pitch day and present your business.
- Participate in the heats and final round if selected.
- Step 4: Awards announcement
- Top finalists are announced during the event.
- Selected winners receive the cash grant award.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a Startup Canada team member.
- Eligible applicants receive a confirmation with their pitch time and event link or venue details.
- Not all applicants are guaranteed a pitch spot.
- Selected pitchers compete in heats before finalists are chosen.
- Winners are announced after the pitch competition.
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 $100,000 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 Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program?
Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program is funded by Startup Canada