In partnership with
We've set the stage, now it is time to Pitch
In collaboration with All Blk Market and BFN, we're thrilled to launch the Innovathon Pitch at Blk Friday on September 6th, 2024. This is not just an event—it's a convergence point for Black founders, investors, and visionaries to unite, push boundaries, and craft the future. Experience a showcase of groundbreaking Black entrepreneurship, featuring early-stage startups that have already secured over $50,000 in revenue, sponsorships, or grants, and have developed a working MVP or product with at least one sale. Our jury panel of four industry experts will determine the top four innovators to share a prize pool of $10,000.
Event Details
Dates: September 6, 2024
Location: Centennial College Progress Campus
Doors open: 11:30am
Pitch: 3pm-5pm
Award Prizes include:
1st Place - $4000
2nd Place - $3000
3rd Place - $2000
Audience Choice Awards - $1000
Pitch Awards
Pitch Criteria
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Applicant Background
The Lead applicant must self-identify as Black.
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Black Leadership
The lead applicant must be a co-founder of the company.
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Traction
The startup must have made at least 1 sale and generated over $20,000 CAD in revenue, sponsorships, or grants.
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MVP/Product:
The startup must have a functioning MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or product.
Submission Requirements
✅ The Lead applicant must self-identify as Black.
✅ Submit a PDF pitch deck.
✅ 3-minute YouTube video pitch.
✅ Link to your company website.
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Applicant Background
The Lead applicant must self-identify as Black.
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Black Leadership
The lead applicant must be a co-founder of the company.
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Traction
The startup must have made at least 1 sale and generated over $20,000 CAD in revenue, sponsorships, or grants.
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MVP/Product:
The startup must have a functioning MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or product.
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Revenue Requirement:
The startup must have generated over $50,000 in revenue, sponsorships, or grants.
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Applicant Background
The Lead applicant must self-identify as Black.
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Black Leadership
The lead applicant must also serve as the company's co-founder in the company.
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MVP/Product:
The startup must have a functioning MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or product.
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Sales
The startup must have made at least one sale.
Timeline
July 23rd 2024
Application is Live
1
August 18th 2024
Application close
2
August 19th - 23rd 2024
Application review
3
August 25th 2024
Startup Selection
4
Sept 1st 2024
Pitch Debrief with Startups
5
Events Highlight
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Pitch Competition
Watch 9 finalists pitch their groundbreaking ideas in a 1.5-hour session, followed by a 20-minute announcement of the finalists.
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Networking Opportunities
Connect with Black entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
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VIP Gala
Enjoy a complimentary table at the VIP Gala on September 5th, hosted by All Blk Market.
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Cross-Promotion
Engage in cross-promotion and marketing of collaborative events.
Panel Speakers & Judges
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Councilor Martin Reid
Elected Mississaugal Ward 9 Councilor (2022)
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Laura Scarlet
Marketing Director of Nobellum Enterprise.
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Taiwo Oyewole
Senior Advisor in the Nobellum Innovator Program and the Lead Advisor at LatAm Startups.
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Haze Schepmyer
Life-Event Transition Consultant
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Mayuran Yogarajah
Index Exchange
Startups Pitching
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Councilor Martin Reid
Elected Mississaugal Ward 9 Councilor (2022)
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Laura Scarlet
Marketing Director of Nobellum Enterprise.
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Taiwo Oyewole
Senior Advisor in the Nobellum Innovator Program and the Lead Advisor at LatAm Startups.
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Haze Schepmyer
Life-Event Transition Consultant
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Mayuran Yogarajah
Index Exchange
Learn About ABM
All Blk Market Inc. is an eCommerce platform that showcases small Black-owned businesses and connects aspiring entrepreneurs to established professionals in Toronto (GTA). ABM aims to give entrepreneurs the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
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