Your turn,
Trailblazer.
Pitch Your Vision. Fuel Your Growth.
Applying is easy
Step 1:
Create your 1-minute pitch video and upload it to YouTube
Keep your video “unlisted’ so only you and people with a link to the video can watch it.
Don’t go over the 60-second limit and make sure your video is delivered in English.
Need inspiration? Watch this example of a 1-minute pitch from past Pitch Semi-Finalist, Connie Lo, Co-Founder of Three Ships.
Step 2:
Complete the application form before October 24th at
4pm PDT | 7pm EDT
Make sure you include the link to your
1-minute video in the application.
Step 3:
Help support The Forum with a special initiative for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale on April 25, 2025
If you're open to filming a short video today after you've applied, we're inviting all applicants who are interested to take out your phone and share your experience. To begin filming, click the link below and select "Path To Pitch" from the dropdown menu.
If sharing, tag @theforumca and use #PathToPitch in your story or post and we’ll re-share as many as we can! Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their journey! We can’t wait to follow along your #PathToPitch
Ready to access more opportunities for your business than you ever thought possible?
Applications are now open. Apply today!
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch is for you if…
You are a legal resident of Canada;
You are a self-identifying woman, non-binary, or trans-femme entrepreneur;
You are a majority or equal stakeholder, (co-)founder or (co-)owner actively leading a registered business operating in Canada; an employee in line to lead such a business who is currently a decision maker, including a woman manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business;
You are planning to fundraise within 12 months of applying;
You are able to participate, if selected, in:
one mock pitch in January 2025;
two in-person Semi-Final events- one in Toronto on February 13, 2025 and one in Vancouver on February 20, 2025, respectively;
the live in-person Finale event on April 25, 2025; and,
mentorship meetings and filming sessions, which will be scheduled at mutually convenient times during December 2024 - March 2025.
You are not a Finalist in any previous Pitch for the Purse / The Forum Pitch.
While the program is for all industries and markets, and all sizes and stages of business, organizations that are structured as nonprofits and charities (societies) are not eligible to enter The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch.
If you are a legal minor (18 years or under) or have questions about your eligibility, email Nolizwe Mhlaba at nolizwe@theforum.ca for support.
Read the full Terms and Conditions.
If you’re looking for highly individualized support, a foundational education in how to share your business vision, and want to make life-changing connections, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch is for you.
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program is a once in a lifetime experience
With Pitch, you could receive prizing, resources, education and more
valued at up to $90,000 CAD to help your business thrive:
As an Applicant, you will...
Find clarity for your business - its purpose, goals, and key value proposition - as you practice sharing your vision with others.
Access an active community that will support and fiercely champion you – with potential to meet investors, mentors, collaborators and more.
Benefit from educational programming (valued at $500).
As a Semi-Finalist, you will...
Receive paid trips to the Toronto and Vancouver Semi-Final events.
Meet entrepreneurs, make new connections and activate your social capital.
Connect with funders looking to support businesses just like yours.
Receive 1:1 mentorship (valued at $5,000) from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts to help you prepare for the The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Semi Final Events.
Access the The Forum Mentor Program, valid for 12 months of 1-1 mentor support (approximate value: $300).
Semi-Finalists can access this prize within 12 months of becoming a Semi-Finalist.
As a Finalist, you will...
Receive one of three prize packages each with an estimated value of $30,000 CAD in financial and social capital as well as mentorship to help fuel your company’s growth.
Gain brand exposure through national PR coverage (valued at $5,000) and The Forum’s Canada-wide community of women entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors and sponsors (valued at $30,000).
Receive exclusive videos and photos that highlight your business story and program experience to share throughout your community (valued at $15,000).
Receive performance coaching (valued at $2,500).
Get complimentary access to E-Series (valued at $1,500) – a transformative educational program for women entrepreneurs that provides essential education and tools to take your business to the next level.
Key Dates
2024 |
September 19Applications Open |
October 24Applications Close |
NOVEMBER 6 & 13Complimentary Two Days Of Live Virtual Education Sessions |
December 5Semi-Finalists Announced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 |
February 13Semi-Final Event in Toronto & Entrepreneur Showcase |
February 20Semi-Final Event in Vancouver & Entrepreneur Showcase |
April 25Finale Event |
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“I loved and enjoyed the entire experience.
It was most definitely the highlight of my business thus far. I have every confidence in myself and my business to succeed. You gave me the first platform to share my company. I am ever so grateful for that. The support I received was the most meaningful for me. ”
— Jessica Oblak, Copper Medical
2019/2020 Finalist
Curious about what’s possible in 7 months?
Watch highlights from our conversations with the 2022/2023 and 2021/2022 Finalists.
Hear the impact The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch had on their businesses within 3 months of participating in the finale event.
What are you waiting for?
Investor Solicitation Disclaimer:
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program does not act as an intermediary, broker, or in any capacity that solicits investors on behalf of participants. Our role is solely to furnish support and resources, at our sole discretion, aimed at equipping participants with the necessary tools and preparedness for their final pitch. This includes facilitating opportunities for participants to present their pitches directly to potential investors.
However, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the outcome of these pitches or the success of any funding efforts. Participation in the program does not guarantee any level of success in securing capital or favorable terms from investors.