In just seven months, you'll access more opportunities for your business than you ever thought possible

The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch is for all Canadian self-identifying women, non-binary, and transfemme entrepreneurs -- from any industry, size, or stage of business -- who want to grow their businesses by raising capital & expanding their community of supporters. Whether you're pre or post launch, we want to hear your bright ideas.

If you want to learn more about the different funding avenues that your business can capitalize on for growth, we recommend you learn more about our E-Series or Mentor Programs.

The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch was created to help women entrepreneurs establish life-changing connections, learn from industry experts, and feel the immense impact of community support as they strive towards their goals.

As such, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program continues to evolve to more explicitly help women entrepreneurs harness both the intangible and tangible types of capital that lead to thriving businesses. Business success is measured by much more than profit, and we want to celebrate all success factors that allow amazing leaders to flourish.

We are excited to be celebrating not only our Finalists, but also our Semi-Finalists in-person at our two live Semi-Final events. All Semi-Finalists’ travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for anyone who does not live in Vancouver and/or Toronto (Terms & Conditions apply). Semi-Finalists will pitch their business visions live to an audience of champions and our community panel in Vancouver and Toronto. This will be an incredible opportunity for the Semi-Finalists to connect, gain exposure and build social capital across the country.

Applications for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch 2023/2024 program have now closed. You can join the waitlist here to be notified when applications for the next cohort open.

Step 1: Create your 60 second pitch video and upload it to YouTube.

To keep your video from being viewed publicly, make the video “Unlisted”. That way only you and those with the link you send will be able to watch it. Your video must be 60 seconds long maximum.

Looking for 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 Oct 26 at 4 PM PDT / 7PM EDT. Apply Now!

We want to get to know you and your business. Once you’ve created your 60 second pitch video, complete this application form online and make sure to include the link to your YouTube video.

All eligible applications are reviewed by The Forum Community Panel for consideration as Semi-Finalists. This panel is composed of The Forum staff and community members who represent a cross-section of industries, backgrounds, and geographies.

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.
• Gain access to an active community that will support and fiercely champion you for years to come–with potential to meet future investors, mentors, buyers, partners, collaborators and more.
• Benefit from educational programming (valued at $500)

The two days of complimentary live virtual education sessions for this program are offered to help you learn more about the types of capitals that can accelerate your business, how to access them and how to pitch for them. It’s also an opportunity to connect with peers and The Forum Faculty.

Once you’ve submitted your application video, we’ll host these virtually with our community of lenders, investors and peers. We’ll help you learn about the different types of capitals that could support your goals, precisely where to look and how to ask for financial capital specifically, and how to further refine your pitch for your business.

We’ve designed them specifically to break down the barriers that are faced when accessing capitals, so that you can start making and actioning impactful plans for your business.

All applicants are eligible to participate in The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch virtual education sessions and details will be sent to you as part of your confirmation email when we receive your completed application form to the program.

The sessions will be held on the following dates: November 14 and 16, 2023.

• A paid trip to the Toronto and Vancouver Semi-Final events and to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale in Vancouver. This is a great opportunity to meet your nation-wide community of champions in-person, make new connections and activate your social capital. Terms & Conditions apply.
• 1:1 mentorship (valued at $5,000) from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.

• One of three prize packages each with an estimated value of up to $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.
• 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 through program updates shared on its website, social media pages and newsletters (valued at $30,000).
• Exclusive videography and photography files from The Forum that highlight your business story and program experience to share throughout your community (valued at $15,000).
• Performance coaching (valued at $2,500).
• Complimentary access to E-Series (valued at $1,500) – a transformative educational program for women entrepreneurs that provides essential education and tools to push your business to the next level.

The Terms & Conditions are included in the Application form. When you submit your application form, you are agreeing to the Terms & Conditions of this program. If you have specific questions, please email Nolizwe Mhlaba, Program and Community Manager, at Nolizwe@theforum.ca or call our Office at 604-682-8115.