Startup Global National Pitch Competition
Startup Global National Pitch Competition is a event offered by Startup Canada for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador).
A coast-to-coast pitch competition for early-stage and scale-up entrepreneurs with global ambitions. Includes qualifying rounds at three Startup Canada Tour stops and one virtual competition, with four finalists advancing to a Grand Finale in Mississauga for a $30,000 prize. Total prize pool is $68,000.
Visit the official program page →
Program details
The Startup Global National Pitch Competition is a multi-stage competition designed for early-stage and scale-up Canadian entrepreneurs intending to export internationally. Stage 1 involves qualifying pitch competitions at three Tour stops (Halifax April 29, Victoria September 29, Mississauga October 29) and one virtual competition (May 26 first-round, May 28 Top 10 Finals). One finalist is selected from each, winning $8,500 each. Stage 2 is the Grand Finale in Mississauga where one winner receives $30,000. A $1,000 People's Choice Award is given at each qualifying round. Pitches are 3 minutes verbal (no slides or props aside from small tabletop products), followed by Q&A. Total prize pool is $68,000. Judging criteria focus on global scaling potential across seven dimensions: target market, objective, solution, leadership, traction, competition, and ability to go global.
Who qualifies
Intention/ability to export within 2 years; minimum 1 year generating revenue or actively fundraising for R&D; between $50,000 and $1,000,000 in revenue as of February 2, 2026; less than $1,000,000 in total fundraising/investment; less than 8 years of operation; business founded/headquartered in Canada.
About Navigator Scout
Navigator Scout is a free directory of business grants, loans, and advisory programs across Atlantic Canada. Search the full directory →