Module 8: Pitching
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this module, you’ll know how to:
- Apply to Canada’s Startup Visa (SUV) Program, connect with organizations that can support you
- Pitch to investors and create a rocking pitch deck!
- Incorporate social impact and SDGs in your business
Pitching
Pitching to investors is on the forefront of most entrepreneurs’ minds today. A strong pitch can help founders secure the capital they need to scale their venture, and potentially launch into global markets.
Research
Research can make or break a pitch – you need to fully understand the market you work in. Is it saturated? Are you bringing a new take to an already existing market? A few research best-practices include:
- Know where to learn. Gathering information from market experts and reputable sources can give you a leg up on competition. If you’re based in Canada, a few resources include: Stats Canada, Industry Canada, Chambers of Commerce (CCAB, CGLCC), and EDC.
- Research investors, not just the market. Learn to play (and improve) the odds by strategically targeting investors who have a higher chance of buying into your venture. Hockeystick Co., a Canadian funder-startup matchmaking service, is free to use for founders.
- Understand geographical factors. Tactics and customer bases change based on geographic location. If you’re looking to enter global markets, consider things like varying cultures and buying practices, legislation, and languages before you pitch.
Pitch Deck
A pitch deck acts as a visual tool for investors to see your goals mapped out and helps to generate your ideas thoughtfully and creatively. Pitch decks consist of several categories to help strengthen and explain your business idea. While there are many more areas to consider, your pitch deck should urgently include:
- Problem & Solution – Define the problem you’re solving. You should explain what opportunity is left untapped in the market, and how your business will solve this problem.
- Competitive Advantage & Vision Statement – Your vision statement should summarize your goal and the intent of your business. Include your unique selling proposition to describe why you’re better than the competition.
- Target Market – Who is your product for? How will your product or service benefit them? Research your market trends and size, and include them in this section. Google Trends, Facebook Audience Insights and Social forums are great free tools to do this. You can also use the free tool by Hubspot to create your user personas effortlessly.
- Traction & Milestones – Talk about some major milestones you have achieved and share your sales track record. Still in the early stages? Share insights about your product validation journey, including any testimonials.
Set Your Pitch Apart
There are a few things to consider that will help elevate your pitch. Creating a compelling story, showing appreciation, and reaching out for help while developing your pitch are a few ways to help set you apart from other businesses.
- Storytelling. Investors are people, too. Use storytelling as a tactic to prove your value proposition, customer satisfaction, and to make a connection.
- Prepare a specific ask. Investors want to know your growth plan and exactly how you plan on spending their hard-earned money.
- Reach out for help. If you’re struggling with the process: Volition offers pitch-specific advising & Startup Canada is providing free, one-on-one global advising from June to October 2021.
COVID-19 has had devastating impacts on Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, leaving many short on capital and subject to the often unreliable trends of their sector. By mastering the pitch, entrepreneurs can empower themselves financially, as well as mitigate potential market risks through customer and supplier diversification – regardless of what the world throws at them.
Pitch Deck templates
- https://pitch.com/templates
- https://www.canva.com/presentations/templates/pitch-deck/
- https://slidesgo.com/pitch-deck
Pitch Deck templates
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. Learn more and take action.
- No poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
- Life below water
- Life on land
- Peace, justice and strong institutions
- Partnerships for the goals
To incorporate SDGs in your business, pick the goals that matter the most to you and educate yourself on the goals in general. Focus on that one goal to start with, educate your audience and be transparent. Collaborate with other businesses that work towards sustainability, and exchange best practices.
Mental Health
Our entrepreneurs are going through unsettling times while continuing to survive the economic impacts of the COVID pandemic. Please find our curated list of well-being resources to help you navigate these challenging times.
