Startup Canada Equal Slice Program
Presented in partnership with Pizza Hut, this program is designed to break down barriers and create more significant opportunities for entrepreneurs across Canada. Through pitch competitions, educational webinars, and enhancements to Startup Canada’s Business Owner’s Toolbox, this initiative provides education, business resources, and $100,000 a year in essential grant funding to help underserved Canadian entrepreneurs scale their businesses.
About the Startup Canada Equal Slice Program
What is it?
Startup Canada and Pizza Hut have joined forces to empower entrepreneurs by providing access to funding, educational webinars, and business resources that help break down systemic barriers. With the belief that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, the Startup Canada Equal Slice Program offers pitch competitions, educational support, and tailored business tools to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their ventures.
Through this exciting three-year partnership with Pizza Hut, we will provide $300,000 in cash grants to underserved Canadian entrepreneurs. The program will expand its impact by hosting two national Pitch Competitions per year, offering expert-led webinars, and powering the Business Owner’s Toolbox, a vital hub of educational resources, templates, and guides to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
What can you expect?
Throughout the year, the Startup Canada Equal Slice Program, in partnership with Pizza Hut, will host a series of high-impact events, webinars, and pitch competitions designed to empower diverse entrepreneurs across Canada.
Here’s what’s coming in 2026:
Two Pitch Competitions
Compete for a chance to win from a $100,000 cash grant pool, gain expert feedback, and showcase your business to industry leaders, to help your business grow.
Opportunities at Startup Canada Tour Stops
Connect, learn and engage with fellow founders, industry experts, and ecosystem partners to build valuable relationships and gain insights.
Four Expert-Led Webinars
Learn essential skills, from perfecting your pitch to digital strategies for growth, designed specifically for entrepreneurs.
Business Owner's Toolbox Updates
Access perfectly curated resources at any time to help you start, grow, and scale your business.
Equal Slice Pitch Competitions
Two pitch competitions in 2026
The Startup Canada Equal Slice Pitch Competitions offer equity-deserving entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their businesses, receive expert feedback, and compete for $100,000 in cash grants to help further develop their businesses.
Toronto, June 3, 2026
In-Person Pitch Competition
Applications open from March 9 (spots are limited, applications will close when spots are filled)
Register Now
November 24, 2026
Virtual National Pitch Competition
Applications open from March 9 (spots are limited, applications will close when spots are filled)
Register Now
2025 Equal Slice Pitch Competition
A look back at 2025
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.
2025 Pitch Competition RecapWebinars
Knowledge is power. The Startup Canada Equal Slice Program will offer four expert-led webinars that are created to help entrepreneurs develop crucial business skills, enhance their current business, and navigate challenges.
A great pitch isn’t just about your product, it’s about your story. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to articulate your ‘why,’ build a founder narrative that resonates, and craft a pitch that connects purpose with opportunity in a way that sticks with investors and stakeholders.
- May 12, 2026
- 9 – 10:30 AM PT | 12 – 1:30 PM ET
Equity isn’t the only way to fuel your business. Canada offers a robust landscape of non-dilutive funding. This webinar breaks down the landscape of grants, loans, and non-dilutive capital available to Canadian entrepreneurs, and gives you the tools to find, assess, and apply for the opportunities that are right for your business.
- July 14, 2026
- 9 – 10:30 AM PT | 12 – 1:30 PM ET
Turning a great idea into a market-ready business takes more than momentum, it takes a plan. This webinar covers the fundamentals of product-market fit, how to build a go-to-market strategy that works, and how to plan for sustainable growth from day one. Whether you’re selling a product or service, this webinar provides a tactical roadmap to turn your vision into a repeatable, revenue-generating reality.
- September 1, 2026
- 9 – 10:30 AM PT | 12 – 1:30 PM ET
Turning a great idea into a market-ready business takes more than momentum, it takes a plan. This webinar covers the fundamentals of product-market fit, how to build a go-to-market strategy that works, and how to plan for sustainable growth from day one. Whether you’re selling a product or service, this webinar provides a tactical roadmap to turn your vision into a repeatable, revenue-generating reality.
- November 17, 2026
- 10:00 – 11:30 AM PT | 12 – 1:30 PM ET
Event Recordings
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 category hubs 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.
