2025 Startup Global Pitch Competition (Ontario)

The Startup Global Pitch Competition offers up to $70,000 in cash prizes to Canadian startups looking to expand into international markets, helping them gain exposure, funding, and mentorship as they scale globally.

Startup Canada

Overview of the 2025 Startup Global Pitch Competition (Ontario) program:

Hosted annually by Startup Canada, the Startup Global Pitch Competition is a national platform that helps Canadian entrepreneurs prepare for global expansion by showcasing their businesses, refining their pitches, and accessing funding and resources. The competition is part of Startup Global, a broader initiative supporting export readiness. The top finalists receive cash prizes and in-kind support. Businesses must be interested in or actively pursuing international trade. Finalists are selected based on pitch strength, export readiness, business model, and growth potential.

Benefits of the 2025 Startup Global Pitch Competition (Ontario) program:

Total prize pool: $70,000 CAD
Final round winners receive:
- 1st place: $30,000
- 2nd place: $15,000
- 3rd place: $10,000
Additional $15,000 in sponsored prizes and services may be awarded
Coaching, pitch training, and global market readiness sessions
Exposure to export professionals, investors, and mentors
Ability to pitch live at national events and showcase your brand
Community support and peer learning with other founders
Free to apply and participate

Eligibility criteria of the 2025 Startup Global Pitch Competition (Ontario) program:

Eligible Applicants Must:
Have a business based in Canada
Be a founder, co-founder, or authorized team member representing the business
Have a clear intention or ability to expand internationally (export products/services abroad)
Meet all of the following criteria as of February 3, 2025:
- Less than $1,000,000 CAD in annual revenue
- Less than $1,000,000 CAD in total fundraising or investment (includes grants, loans, equity funding)
- Business must be less than 5 years old
Additional rules:
- Only one application per company may be submitted
- Each pitch must be presented by only one individual (even for team submissions)
- If selected to pitch at the Tour stop, the same person must pitch at the Grand Finale
- Employees of Startup Canada and their immediate family members are not eligible