Your funding path starts here
Mentorship. Exposure. Community.
Connections to Funders.
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch
share your business vision in a 1-minute video.
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.
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch
share your business vision in a 1-minute video.
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. Just watch the 2023/24 Finale pitches from Pragmaclin, Apricotton and Revol Cares!
How does the program work?
APPLICATIONS OPEN
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
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
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
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.
SEMI-FINAL EVENT - VANCOUVER
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.
REFINE YOUR FUNDRAISING PITCH
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
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?
Applications are now closed. Join the waitlist for 2025/2026.
Explore the #PathToPitch
Hundreds of women entrepreneurs nationwide have taken the leap to apply for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program. Discover the inspiring journeys of both past and present applicants as they share their experiences below!
Hear from the Finalists
Meet the Finalists from last year and learn more about how the program has transformed their businesses since participating!
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Program Info Session
Watch this conversation with Kirsten Koppang Telford, CEO of The Forum, and Connie Stacey, Founder & CEO of Grengine, about this year's program.
Frequently asked questions
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 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.
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.