Startup Global
Startup Global is here to help you get your business export-ready by connecting you with tools, advisory support, and potential funding opportunities. Throughout the year, we’ll support you every step of the way on your export and global expansion journey!
About Startup Global
What is it?
Startup Global empowers Canadian entrepreneurs to confidently expand their businesses into international markets. Through free webinars, industry roundtables, export-readiness resources, and a national pitch competition featuring a $100,000 cash prize pool, this program equips you with the tools, insights, and support needed to build a successful global expansion plan.
Startup Global helps you answer essential questions such as:
- Is my business ready to expand internationally?
- What is required from a regulatory, legal, financial, and marketing perspective to get my business ready to begin exporting?
- What types of resources are available to support my export journey?
What can you expect?
Throughout the year, Startup Canada will be hosting several live webinars, industry roundtables, virtual and in-person Pitch Competitions across Canada, and providing exclusive resources to support your journey to exporting.
Overview of the 2026 Startup Global Program
National Pitch Competition
New for 2026, the Startup Global National Pitch Competition is our biggest coast-to-coast format yet, giving early-stage and scale-up founders the chance to compete for a share of $68,000 in cash prizes and a spot on the Grand Finale main stage in Mississauga. Pitch competitions will take place during the Startup Canada Tour stops in Halifax, Victoria, and Mississauga, with an additional opportunity to compete virtually from anywhere in Canada.
Learn more and register
Pop-up Pitch Competitions
The Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competitions are standalone events designed for entrepreneurs ready for international expansion. Each competition features a $15,000 Grand Prize and a $1,000 People’s Choice Award, plus the chance to showcase bold ideas, make valuable connections, and gain momentum in their exporting journey.
*These events are separate from the Startup Global National Pitch Competition and do not advance to the Grand Finale.
Webinars
The Global Launchpad Series is a practical, year-long webinar program for Canadian entrepreneurs ready to grow beyond borders. Running from March to November 2026, the series focuses on the evolving landscape of international expansion, navigating interprovincial trade, building cross-cultural business relationships, and managing global supply chains and logistics.
Through expert-led sessions and real founder stories, participants gain actionable insights, connect with trusted export and ecosystem partners, and tap into the networks and resources needed to scale internationally with confidence. Each webinar has a duration of 90 minutes to provide ample time for presentations and panel discussions.
Industry Roundtables
The Industry Roundtables are a series of focused, virtual sessions running from April to October 2026. Designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, these small-group discussions offer sector-specific learning and candid conversation around the real challenges founders face within their industries.
Each roundtable brings together experienced founders and peers from across Canada to share practical insights, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections in a trusted, industry-specific setting.
Exclusive resource guide
Startup Global continues its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey to global growth. The updated Resource Guide walks founders through the fundamental stages of exporting, organizing tools and information into a clear, easy-to-follow exporter’s journey map. Whether entrepreneurs are new to exporting or looking for a refresher, the guide provides a practical overview and direct access to national resources that support international expansion.
Access nowTestimonials
“The Startup Global program was pivotal to Aruna's growth in many ways. After recently moving to Nova Scotia, Aruna had the opportunity to participate in the Halifax Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition. As a pitch competition finalist that presented on the main stage, we were able to generate significant new exposure to the Halifax community including new press, investor connections, and partnership opportunities. As the winner of this stop, we flew to Ontario and gained even more exposure to a national audience. We learned so much throughout the process and the funding was very valuable so that we can do our first production run of our pads. We are so grateful for the support of Startup Canada!”
"Winning the Startup Global Pitch Competition is incredible for us as an early-stage company,” said Ranah Chavoshi, Co-Founder & CEO of PhyCo Technologies Inc. “This support will allow us to grow our team, secure a new patent, and bring our technology to the world so we can maximize our impact. My advice to other entrepreneurs pitching their businesses is to just get on stage and have fun; it’s the best way to show your passion."
Thank you to our 2026 program partners
The 2026 Startup Canada Tour is made possible by the incredible partners who share our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs nationwide.
Co-presenting partners
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All virtual events of the Startup Global program are 100% free. In-person events will be ticketed, prices have been chosen to keep the event as accessible as possible to early stage entrepreneurs.
- The intention/ability to export and expand your business internationally within the next 2 years
- A minimum number of 1 year of generating revenue and/or actively fundraising for Research & Development
- Between more than $50,000 and less than $1,000,000 in revenue, as of February 2, 2026
- Less than $1,000,000 in fundraising or investment (grants, bank loans, equity funding), as of February 2, 2026
- Less than 8 years of operating your business, as of February 2026
- Your business/operations are primarily based in Canada
To apply in-person to pitch, please register for the “Pitcher Pass” ticket type at the closest Startup Canada Tour stop to you. During this check-out process, you will be asked a series of questions about your business to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Participants are able to bring their product to the pitch. Please note, there is no set up time for products, therefore we can only allow small physical products. If you have a product that fits on a table top, you may bring it with you to your pitch.
Please visit the Startup Global Pitch Webpage for a full list of judging criteria.
If you pitched in 2025 but were not selected to be in the Top 10, you can apply again this year. If you were a Top 10 Finalist in 2025, you cannot apply to the Startup Global pitch this year. However, you are welcome to participate in the Startup Global programming.
No, you are only able to participate in one stream of the Startup Global Pitch Competition. This is to allow as many entrepreneurs the chance to apply and pitch.
Email us at [email protected]