Canada’s leading pitch program for women entrepreneurs
Pitch Your Vision. Fuel Your Growth.
What is The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch?
One of the biggest barriers women entrepreneurs face is connecting with folks who can open doors to the right funding opportunities. The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch was developed to address this barrier.
With community at the heart of the program, its goal is to foster connections with funders, leaders and experts ready to support you on your funding and business journey.
In just seven months, you’ll gain tangible experience, build confidence, refine your pitch and build a toolkit that will set you up for growth that aligns with your vision.
How does the program work?
APPLICATIONS OPEN
SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 23, 2025
4pm PDT / 7pm EDT
It all starts with a 1-minute pitch video, where you share your business vision and the impact it will have on our communities.
We’d love to hear your business vision, passions, and the amount of financial capital you're seeking to activate your growth.
SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
DECEMBER 4, 2025
The Forum Community Panel – who represent a cross-section of industries, backgrounds, and geographies – will review all submissions and choose the Semi-Finalists, whose businesses will be celebrated and receive exposure through The Forum’s national channels.
HONE YOUR PITCH
DECEMBER 2025 - FEBRUARY 2026
As a Semi-Finalist, you’ll be paired with a dedicated mentor to help you prepare and hone your storytelling skills.
You’ll review and re-work your pitch to be 3 minutes in length alongside someone who has real-world experience and specialized expertise to support you in crafting your pitch.
SEMI-FINAL EVENT - TORONTO
FEBRUARY 11, 2026
All Semi-Finalists will pitch live at the first Semi-Final Event in Toronto. Our Community Panel will ask questions, share observations and score the pitch to help you learn and grow.
Please note travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for anyone who does not live in Toronto. All Semi-Finalists are required to attend to be eligible for the program. Prior to applying, please ensure you are able to be in Toronto by 12pm local time on February 11, 2026.
SEMI-FINAL EVENT - VANCOUVER
FEBRUARY 18, 2026
After the first round of pitching in Toronto, Semi-Finalists will pitch live again at the Semi-Final Event in Vancouver. Our Community Panel will ask questions and share observations that can help you learn and grow. Then, the Finalists will be selected and announced!
Please note travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for anyone who does not live in Vancouver. All Semi-Finalists are required to attend to be eligible for the program. Prior to applying, please ensure you are able to be in Vancouver by 12pm local time on February 18, 2026.
REFINE YOUR FUNDRAISING PITCH
FEBRUARY - APRIL 2026
If selected, you’ll work with a new mentor and a presentation coach to prepare your final pitch.
These experts will help you integrate the feedback you’ve received, access specialized resources for your business, and give you personalized guidance on how to further refine your final pitch for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale.
SHARE YOUR FINAL PITCH & MEET THE COMMUNITY
APRIL 24, 2026 - THE ODLUM BROWN FORUM PITCH FINALE
You’ll share your refined pitch one last time, presenting to an audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors.
As one of the three Finalists you’ll then receive a prize package with an estimated value of $30,000 CAD, in financial, social, and wisdom capital, which will help you fund your business, continue to improve your skills, access specialized support and more.
One business will also receive an additional cash prize of $20,000 CAD.
We’ll invite a community of hundreds to celebrate your journey and practice community as a verb–offering what they can to help you achieve your business goals and get access to capital.
Ready to access more opportunities for your business than you ever thought possible?
Where are they now?
Since 2016, Finalists businesses have raised over $26M and created 500+ jobs after participating in The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch. Explore the stories of past Finalists who have turned their vision into reality—and see what’s possible for you.
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
With Pitch, you could receive prizes, resources, 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.
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 highlighting 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.
Need Inspiration?
See how Connie Lo, Co-Founder of Three Ships, outlines her business vision in this example of a 1-minute pitch.
After you’ve applied, you’ll also have the opportunity to improve your pitching skills throughout the program.
