Open
Startup Canada — Equal Slice Program
Supporting underserved Canadian entrepreneurs with funding
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : March 9, 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 : March 9, 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.
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
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
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?
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