2020 Canadian Export Challenge 

The Canadian Export Challenge (CXC) has historically been a series of one-day Global Accelerators across Canada for startups and scale-ups who are thinking about, working towards, or are already exporting their products or services. 

This fall, join Startup Canada in collaboration with UPS, Export Development Canada, and the Trade Commissioner Service, along with Mastercard and Scotiabank to become export-ready, connect with the trade and global growth system, and to gain global exposure through a series of digital events powered by Google. 

What is a one-day global accelerator?

A one-day Global Accelerator is an event designed to get your company export-ready! There will be workshops, panels, and keynotes from industry experts—and opportunities to connect one-on-one with Canada’s global expansion support providers and gain privileged access to trade information, market intelligence, global accelerators, and more!

Each regional event also has two pitch competitions—one for startups and one for scale-ups. Competing entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch to win $2,500 (startup category) and $5,000 (scale-up category). 

Winners from each region will move onto the CXC Grand Finale in October. There, they will compete again for a chance to win up to $25,000 cash and up to $100,000 in support.

Even if you don’t intend to pitch, CXC is a great opportunity for companies to network with members of Canada’s entrepreneurial and export ecosystems. 

In short, if you’re interested in going global with your business—CXC is for you! 

Going digital

COVID-19 has put entrepreneurs across the globe in an unprecedented position of uncertainty. Given border closures and the international response to this pandemic, the export community is navigating uncharted territory. 

This year, in addition to its historical elements, CXC will aim to be a space for Canadian exporters and industry partners to come together and provide support to each other, as we all navigate the resulting export environment. 

In the leadup to CXC in September, we’ll be hosting a series of digital bootcamps with our partners to help entrepreneurs get export-ready and learn how to craft a perfect video pitch.   

This fall’s regional events will combine a series of live stream presentations, breakout sessions, a virtual growth lounge, interactive learning—in addition to a digital pitch competition. 

We’re excited to bring you Canada’s first nationwide, virtual pitch competition. In the past, we’ve been limited by geography. In this digital format, we hope to be able to reach entrepreneurs from all across Canada.

Regional digital events

From September 14th to September 21st, 2020, we will host 5 regional digital events:

• Atlantic Region – September 14, 2020 | View speakers & more
• Prairies Region – September 15, 2020 | View speakers & more
• Ontario Region – September 16, 2020 | View speakers & more
• British Columbia and North – September 17, 2020 | View speakers & more
• Quebec Region – September 21, 2020 | View speakers & more