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Startup Global Pitch Competition

Support for Canadian businesses expanding internationally

Offered by
Startup Canada
Official source: startupcan.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 15,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian entrepreneurs
See full eligibility

Overview

Startup Global supports Canadian entrepreneurs preparing to expand internationally through pitch competitions, webinars, and export-readiness resources. The program includes cash prizes and opportunities to pitch, with activities such as webinars, roundtables, and pitch events focused on global growth.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$15,000
Minimum funding
$1,000
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Access new markets
  • Reach a new target audience
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
From $ 50,000 to $ 1,000,000 in revenue
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians
  • Startups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Pitch competition application links updated

The Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competitions now show a live Ottawa application form and attendee ticket link, while the Calgary event is marked closed with a winners page.

See more

The Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competitions page now shows a live Ottawa application form and an attendee-only ticket link instead of a coming soon notice. The Calgary, AB June 16 event is now marked closed and points to a winners page. The Ottawa entry still notes that the competition is for CPG-based businesses only.

Official source: startupcan.ca
August 14, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian entrepreneurs
  • Early-stage entrepreneurs
  • Scale-up founders
  • Entrepreneurs looking to export their products and/or services outside of Canada
  • CPG-based businesses for the Ottawa Pop-up Pitch Competition

Who is not eligible

  • Employees of Startup Canada and their immediate family members.
  • Businesses that already pitched as Top 10 Finalists in 2025.
  • Participants who want to pitch in French.
  • Applicants seeking to enter more than one competition stream.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada
  • Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Mississauga, Ontario
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Ottawa, Ontario

Activities funded

  • Pitch competitions for export-ready businesses.
  • Webinars on international expansion and exporting.
  • Industry roundtables for early-stage entrepreneurs.
  • Export-readiness resource support.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Choose the relevant event
    • Select the in-person or virtual pitch stream.
    • Review the listed event details before registering.
  • Step 2: Register online
    • Register through the event page or ticket link provided.
    • Complete the application questions during checkout.
  • Step 3: Eligibility review
    • The team reviews your answers to confirm eligibility.
    • You will be contacted if your application is successful.
  • Step 4: Confirm your pitch slot
    • If selected, you receive an email to confirm your spot.
    • You select your pitch time before the event.

Selection criteria

  • Target market
  • Objective and long-term need
  • Solution and innovation
  • Leadership team
  • Traction and ability to go global

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed for eligibility after registration.
  • Selected applicants are contacted to confirm their pitch spot.
  • Pitch time is confirmed by email before the event.

Additional information

  • All virtual events are free.
  • In-person events are ticketed.
  • Participants are only allowed in one competition stream.
  • French pitches are not accommodated.

Contacts

global@startupcan.ca

Official sources

Startup Global

Program guide

Startup Global Pitch Competition - Startup Canada

Application form

Startup Global - Ottawa CPG & Retail Pop-up Pitch Competition - PITCH APPLICATIONS
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Startup Global Pitch Competition Program

What is the Startup Global Pitch Competition?

Startup Global supports Canadian entrepreneurs preparing to expand internationally through pitch competitions, webinars, and export-readiness resources. The program includes cash prizes and opportunities to pitch, with activities such as webinars, roundtables, and pitch events focused on global growth.

How much funding can be received?

Startup Global Pitch Competition Funds up to $15,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Startup Global Pitch Competition program?

To be eligible for the Startup Global Pitch Competition program, you must: Canadian-based business Ready to expand internationally Established revenue or fundraising history

Who can I contact for more information about the Startup Global Pitch Competition?

You can contact Startup Canada by email at global@startupcan.ca.

Where is the Startup Global Pitch Competition available?

The Startup Global Pitch Competition program is available across Canada.

Is the Startup Global Pitch Competition a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Startup Global Pitch Competition is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the Startup Global Pitch Competition?

Startup Global Pitch Competition is funded by Startup Canada