This workshop will provide pitch participant founders with a practical roadmap for building and funding startups in Canada. Participants will gain an overview of the Canadian accelerator and investor landscape, learn how to access non-dilutive funding programs such as SR&ED, Mitacs, and NRC-IRAP, and understand how government priorities and federal budgets influence where grants and innovation funding are allocated. The session will also explore what makes companies “investable,” helping founders assess whether venture capital is appropriate for their business or whether alternative funding strategies may be more suitable.

In addition, the workshop will include hands-on guidance on developing effective investor pitches across multiple formats (60-second, 3-minute, and 5-minute presentations), understanding early-stage valuation, and communicating traction and market opportunity clearly. Each finalist will also receive individualized one-on-one feedback on their pitch deck, along with tailored recommendations on next steps to strengthen their positioning with investors or funding programs. By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of funding pathways available in Canada and the tools needed to position their ventures for growth, whether through venture capital, grants, or sustainable revenue-driven strategies.