Startup Canada Equal Slice Program
Breaking down barriers and creating opportunities year-round, the Startup Canada Equal Slice Program is an annual initiative supporting diverse entrepreneurs across Canada. Presented in partnership with Pizza Hut Canada, this program provides $100,000 a year in essential grant funding, along with educational webinars and business resources, because we believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. Scroll to see what we accomplished together in our inaugural year!
About the Startup Canada Equal Slice Program
What is it?
The Startup Canada Equal Slice Program empowers early-stage entrepreneurs to break through systemic barriers and achieve their boldest business goals. Through national pitch competitions, expert-led webinars, and access to the Business Owner’s Toolbox, founders gain essential funding, education, and resources that matter most in the early stages. This program connects you with ecosystem leaders and fellow entrepreneurs who understand your journey and are committed to creating equal opportunities for all. With a three-year commitment and $300,000 in funding, this program really puts the funds where they’re needed most, in the pockets of Canadian entrepreneurs!
What can you expect?
The Startup Canada Equal Slice Program will be back in 2026 with programming built around what you need most: funding opportunities, expert guidance, and practical resources to move your business forward.
Every opportunity, every connection, and every resource is built for entrepreneurs ready to break barriers and achieve bold goals!
Mark your calendars, our full 2026 schedule will be announced in early February 2026.
Two Pitch Competitions
Compete for your share of $100,000 in grant funding, gain expert feedback, and showcase your business to industry leaders who can help accelerate your growth.
Learn more about our 2025 winners hereStartup Canada Tour Opportunities
Connect with fellow founders, industry experts, and ecosystem partners to build relationships that matter and gain insights that drive your business forward.
Four Expert-Led Webinars
Develop essential skills and strategies to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a business that lasts.
Business Owner's Toolbox Updates
Access curated resources, templates, and guides designed to support you at every stage, from launch to scale.
Overview of the 2025 Pizza Hut Equal Slice Program
Throughout 2025, Startup Canada, in partnership with Pizza Hut Canada, launched the inaugural Startup Canada Equal Slice Program, which included: two national pitch competitions, four expert-led webinars, and an initial expansion of the Business Owner's Toolbox to support diverse entrepreneurs across Canada.
- This program continually aims to support entrepreneurs through:
- Providing $100,000 annually in cash grants to help early-stage entrepreneurs scale their businesses
- Offering expert-led educational programming on essential business skills
- Breaking down systemic barriers through access to funding, resources, and networks
- Creating equal opportunities in Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystem
Equal Slice Pitch Competitions
Our 2025 Equal Slice Pitch Competitions gave early-stage entrepreneurs the platform to showcase their businesses, receive expert feedback, and compete for cash grants totalling $100,000! From an energetic in-person competition in Toronto to a dynamic virtual event that brought founders together from across the country, these competitions celebrated innovation, resilience, and the diverse voices shaping Canada's business landscape. Winners gained not only funding to accelerate their ventures but also valuable connections and visibility within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meet the 2025 Equal Slice Pitch Competition winnersWebinars
Our 2025 Equal Slice webinar series delivered practical, expert-led sessions designed to help entrepreneurs navigate critical business challenges. Founders learned how to craft compelling pitches that resonate with investors, protect their intellectual property with strategic IP management, build purposeful networks that drive business growth, and navigate Canada's support ecosystem to access vital resources and funding. Each session equipped participants with immediately applicable tools and connected them with experts who understand the realities of building a business.
Speakers: Amin Yazdani Salekdeh (Craver), Mehrsa Raeiszadeh (Revenue Consultant), and Rohit Mehta (DoGood Funding)
This webinar empowered entrepreneurs from systematically excluded communities by teaching them how to craft compelling pitches that resonate with investors and stakeholders. Participants gained practical strategies and insights to confidently present their vision, navigate unique challenges, and secure the crucial support needed to move their businesses forward.
Speakers: Alejandro Martinez-Ramos (Bold New Edge & FORPIQ), Caroline Lefebvre (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada), and Monika Rak (Agapyo)
Learn the importance of protecting your innovative ideas and creations. This webinar covered essential IP concepts, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents, with specific guidance tailored for entrepreneurs navigating the Canadian business landscape.
Speakers: Lindsay Johnson (The Radical Connector) and Tia Upshaw (CEO/Serial Entrepreneur)
Master the art of networking and discover how to build meaningful connections that propel your business forward. This session focused on developing effective networking strategies, maximizing event participation, and leveraging your unique strengths to create valuable partnerships that drive growth.
Speakers: Karla Briones (Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada), Candace Lauren (CLGC Consulting | BEBC Society), and A.J. Stewart (QueerTech)
Discover the diverse network of support organizations dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across Canada. This webinar provided an overview of available resources, including funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and community support, helping participants navigate the Canadian entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.
Business Owner’s Toolbox:
Entrepreneurs need the right tools to succeed. The Startup Canada Business Owner’s Toolbox (BOT), powered by Pizza Hut, is this tool. It is a central hub providing over 100 curated resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses. It contains 10 modules covering every stage of entrepreneurship, from pre-launch to exit strategy, comprehensive guides, templates, and expert insights. Keep an eye on this business essential as updates are made throughout the year.
Sign-up NowPresenting Partner
This program and its affiliated events would not be possible without the generous support of Pizza Hut Canada.
