Pitch Your Vision - Win Up To $90,000 with The Odlum Brown Forum

Every thriving business begins with a vision—and a pitch that brings that vision to life. For women, non-binary, and trans-femme founders across Canada, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch has become one of the most empowering national platforms to do just that. Designed to elevate underrepresented entrepreneurs and connect them with mentorship, funding, and exposure, the program goes far beyond a simple competition—it’s a transformative journey.

Now accepting applications for its 2024–2026 cycle, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch offers an opportunity to gain visibility, build networks, and win over $90,000 CAD in resources, mentorship, and financial support.

Every thriving business begins with a vision—and a pitch that brings that vision to life. For women, non-binary, and trans-femme founders across Canada, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch has become one of the most empowering national platforms to do just that. Designed to elevate underrepresented entrepreneurs and connect them with mentorship, funding, and exposure, the program goes far beyond a simple competition—it’s a transformative journey.

Now accepting applications for its 2024–2026 cycle, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch offers an opportunity to gain visibility, build networks, and win over $90,000 CAD in resources, mentorship, and financial support.

A Program Built to Elevate Founders

The Forum launched the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch to help women and gender-diverse founders access the tools, networks, and capital they need to grow their businesses. The initiative has since evolved into a nationally recognized showcase for innovation and impact, where entrepreneurs share their stories, connect with investors, and gain tangible resources to expand their ventures.

At its heart, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch is about creating equitable pathways to success. The program focuses on supporting founders who are often overlooked by traditional funding streams, emphasizing mentorship, peer learning, and storytelling as critical elements of business growth.

As one past finalist, Jessica Oblak of Copper Medical, shared:

“It was most definitely the highlight of my business thus far. You gave me the first platform to share my company. The support I received was the most meaningful for me.”

How the Pitch Works

The application process is intentionally simple—designed to focus on the founder’s vision rather than complicated forms.

Step 1: Create a 60-Second Pitch Video
Applicants are invited to upload a one-minute video introducing themselves and their business. In this short but powerful clip, founders should:

1. Introduce themselves and their business.

2. Identify a problem—the market gap or challenge their venture addresses.

3. Describe the solution—how their product or service meets that need.

4. Show traction—such as customers, partnerships, revenue, or recognition.

5. Make an ask—outline how much investment or support they’re seeking and why it matters.

Past semi-finalists like Chloe Beaudoin of Apricotton and Stephanie Lipp of MycoFutures have demonstrated how a clear, authentic, and passionate pitch can stand out even in just sixty seconds.

Step 2: Submit the Application
Applicants must complete an online form by October 23, 2025, at 4 p.m. PST (7 p.m. EST) and include a link to their pitch video. All submissions are automatically considered for the 2025–2026 cycle.

Step 3: Share Your Journey
After applying, participants are encouraged to share their “#PathToPitch” stories on social media. The Forum re-shares these posts to celebrate the diverse experiences and creativity of founders across the country.

Who Can Apply

The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch is open to founders who meet the following criteria:

• Your business is registered and majority-owned by self-identifying women, non-binary, or trans-femme individuals.

• Your venture is actively operating in Canada (excluding registered charities and non-profits).

• You have at least six months of market research or business development completed.

• You employ or contract at least one team member besides yourself.

• You’re planning to raise external capital within the next 12 months.

Eligible businesses should have a clear product or service, proof of concept, or early market validation such as testimonials, letters of intent, or pilot projects. Applicants should also demonstrate a basic funding roadmap, including interest in external investment, grants, or loans.

What You Could Gain

Participation in the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch is much more than a chance to win a prize—it’s an invitation into a thriving ecosystem of mentorship, visibility, and growth.

As an Applicant, you will:

• Gain clarity on your business’s purpose, goals, and value proposition.

• Join a national community of mentors, investors, and entrepreneurs.

• Access learning resources and feedback to refine your pitch.

As a Semi-Finalist, you will:

• Receive paid travel to the Semi-Final events in Toronto and Vancouver.

• Enjoy 1:1 mentorship valued at $5,000 to strengthen your business strategy.

• Gain 12 months of access to The Forum Mentor Program (valued at $300).

• Build meaningful relationships with peers, funders, and potential partners.

As a Finalist, you will:

• Win one of three prize packages worth approximately $30,000 CAD each.

• Receive national PR coverage and exposure to The Forum’s Canada-wide network (valued at $30,000).

• Obtain professional videos and photography to help market your brand (valued at $15,000).

• Access E-Series, The Forum’s flagship educational program for women entrepreneurs (valued at $1,500).

• Benefit from performance coaching and ongoing business support (valued at $2,500).

In total, the program’s combined prizing, education, and mentorship opportunities are valued at up to $90,000 CAD.

Key Dates for the 2025–2026 Pitch

• September 25, 2025: Applications Open (8:30 a.m. PST / 11:30 a.m. EST)

• October 23, 2025: Applications Close (4:00 p.m. PST / 7:00 p.m. EST)

• December 4, 2025: Semi-Finalists Announced

• February 11, 2026: Toronto Semi-Final Event & Entrepreneur Showcase

• February 18, 2026: Vancouver Semi-Final Event & Entrepreneur Showcase

• April 24, 2026: The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale

Each phase offers participants increasing access to exposure, mentorship, and investment readiness.

Why Pitch?

Beyond the prizes, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch is a personal and professional growth experience. It encourages founders to refine their business stories, understand their markets deeply, and communicate their ideas confidently.

Past participants consistently cite the connections and visibility they gain as life-changing. The exposure often leads to new customers, partnerships, and investor interest. Even those who don’t win a prize leave with sharper business strategies and stronger networks.

The Forum’s goal is to ensure that every participant walks away more empowered, visible, and confident in their ability to scale their business.

A Legacy of Empowerment

The Forum has long championed the advancement of women entrepreneurs in Canada, fostering a supportive ecosystem where mentorship and community are central. Through initiatives like E-Series and The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch, it continues to redefine what entrepreneurial success looks like—centering inclusivity, collaboration, and impact.

Take Your Shot

If you have a business dream worth sharing, now is your moment. Whether you’re developing a sustainable fashion line, innovating in tech, or building a wellness brand, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch is your chance to showcase your work to a national audience.

As The Forum reminds every applicant:

“Every day is a journey in the life of an entrepreneur. You are not alone.”

Applications close October 23, 2025. Don’t wait—apply today and start your #PathToPitch at https://theforum.ca/pitch.