CIBC Biz Pitch Competition
Official Terms & Conditions

The CIBC Biz Pitch Competition (the "Program") is administered by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ("CIBC" or "Sponsor") in partnership with the Women's Entrepreneur Knowledge Hub ("WEKH" or "Organizer"), and is governed by these Official Terms and Conditions (the "Terms").

The following key dates govern the Program (all times Eastern Time unless otherwise specified):

2.1 General Eligibility

The Program is open to legal residents of Canada who, at the time of participation, selection, and fulfillment:

1. have reached the legal age of majority in their province or territory of residence;
2. are not an employee, representative, agent, officer, or director (or domiciled with any such person, whether related or not) of CIBC, WEKH, their associated and affiliated entities, advertising or promotion agencies, or any other individual(s) or entity involved in the development, production, implementation, administration, judging, or fulfillment of the Program (collectively with CIBC and WEKH, the "Program Parties"); and
3. have the unencumbered authority to: (i) participate in the Program on behalf of the Eligible Business (as defined below); and (ii) legally bind the Eligible Business, including, without limitation, to these Terms and to any other required documentation as contemplated in these Terms.

Each such participating individual is referred to in these Terms as an "Applicant."

2.2 Eligible Business Requirements

For the purposes of the Program, an "Eligible Business" is a corporation, organization, partnership, or sole proprietorship (or, in the case of the Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year category, a venture or concept) that meets all of the following criteria:

1. is legally registered and headquartered in Canada, and all operations comply with applicable Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal laws, licenses, and regulations;
2. is active and in good standing, with no ongoing legal, regulatory, or tax disputes, and possesses all required licenses, permits, and authorizations to operate (except as otherwise provided for the Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year category);
3. is not a subsidiary of a large corporation or a franchise of an established brand;
4. the primary applicant (founder or co-founder) holds an ownership interest of fifty-one percent (51%) or more and a leadership position in the Eligible Business (except as otherwise provided for the Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year category); and
5. has commenced operations — i.e., is more than an idea or concept — except as otherwise provided for the Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year category.

2.3 Category-Specific Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the requirements in Sections 2.1 and 2.2, the following category-specific requirements apply:

Pitch 1: Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year: The Eligible Business must demonstrate sustained growth and achievement. There is no maximum operating period for this category.

Pitch 2: Start-Up of the Year: The Eligible Business must have been in active operation for less than two (2) years as of the Application Deadline (August 31, 2026).

Pitch 3: Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year: The Applicant must be currently enrolled in a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution (college or university). The Applicant must be a founder or co-founder of the venture, regardless of ownership percentage. The venture may be at the concept or idea stage and is not required to be formally registered or operational at the time of application.

Most Popular Vote: All Applicants who submit a pitch in any of the above three (3) categories are eligible for the Most Popular Vote. Winners of the Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year, Start-Up of the Year, or Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year categories are not eligible to also win the Most Popular Vote.

2.4 Additional Eligibility Notes

Having an existing account or other services with CIBC is not required to participate and will not increase or otherwise impact an Applicant’s opportunity to receive a prize.

CIBC and WEKH reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to require proof of identity and/or eligibility (in a form acceptable to CIBC and WEKH) at any time for the purposes of verifying eligibility to participate in the Program. Failure to provide such proof within the timeline specified may result in disqualification.

CIBC and WEKH reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to disqualify any Applicant if they determine that allowing such Applicant to participate (or continue to participate) in the Program could bring either organization into public disrepute or negatively impact their reputation. All such decisions are final and binding without right of appeal.

CIBC and WEKH will not provide individual feedback on Applications (as defined further below), except as determined by CIBC in its sole and absolute discretion.

By participating in the Program, each Applicant (on their own behalf and on behalf of the Eligible Business) signifies their agreement to be legally bound by these Terms.

To submit an application (an "Application") to the Program, an Applicant must visit cibc.com/bizpitchcompetition (the "Website") and follow the on-screen instructions to access and complete the Official Application Form (the "Form"). The Applicant must fully complete the Form with all required information, adhering to all requirements indicated — including, but not limited to, any word and/or character count limitations. Once fully completed, the Applicant must select “Submit.” A confirmation screen will appear, and the Applicant will receive an email confirming receipt of their Application.

To be eligible, an Application must be submitted and received in full compliance with these Terms on or before the Application Deadline.

Applications must be submitted in English or French. All presentations at the Live Pitch Event must be delivered in English or French.

There is a limit of one (1) Application per Eligible Business. Regardless of the number of businesses an individual is associated with, they may only submit one (1) Application.

IMPORTANT — USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: The use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools, programs, or services — including, but not limited to, generative AI platforms, machine learning models, AI-assisted writing or design software, or any similar technology — to create, develop, enhance, or otherwise contribute to an Application (or any component thereof) is strictly prohibited. By participating in this Program, each Applicant represents and warrants that their Application was created without the assistance of any AI technology. CIBC and WEKH reserve the right to investigate any Application suspected of containing AI-generated content using any available tools or methods. Any Applicant found to have used AI in connection with their Application will be disqualified from the Program.

CIBC and/or WEKH will communicate with Applicants about their participation in the Program using the contact information provided at the time of application. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that all contact information provided is accurate and current, and to regularly monitor their email inbox (including spam and junk folders). The Program Parties will not be liable for any failure, delay, or interruption in the delivery or receipt of any communications relating to this Program.

Applications will not be accepted by any means other than through the Website as described above. If it is discovered that any individual has attempted to use any means not in keeping with the letter and/or spirit of these Terms to enter or disrupt the Program, such individual may be disqualified in the sole and absolute discretion of CIBC and WEKH.

All eligible Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges recruited by WEKH (the "Round 1 Judges"). The Round 1 Judges will assess each eligible Application against the judging criteria for the applicable category, as set out below.

The top thirty (30) eligible Applications — ten (10) per category — will advance as eligible semi-finalists (each, a "Semi-Finalist"). Round 1 judging is scheduled to be completed on or about September 11, 2026 (the "Round 1 Selection Date").

Pitch 1: Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year – Round 1 Criteria

Pitch 2: Start-Up of the Year – Round 1 Criteria

Pitch 3: Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year – Round 1 Criteria

In the event of a tie between two (2) or more eligible Applications within a category, the Application with the highest score on the first listed judging criterion for that category will advance. In the event of a further tie, the second criterion will serve as a tiebreaker, and so on. In the event of an exact tie on all criteria, the tied Applications will be re-judged by the Round 1 Judges.

WEKH or its designated representative will make a minimum of two (2) attempts to contact each eligible Semi-Finalist within three (3) business days of the Round 1 Selection Date. If a Semi-Finalist cannot be contacted, or if any notification is returned as undeliverable, such Semi-Finalist may, in the sole and absolute discretion of CIBC and WEKH, be disqualified and an alternate Semi-Finalist may be selected from the remaining eligible Applications. Odds of being selected as a Semi-Finalist depend on the number of eligible Applications received and skill in meeting Round 1 Criteria.

Each Semi-Finalist will advance to Round 2, which will involve an in-depth review by a second panel of judges recruited by WEKH and including participation from CIBC (the "Round 2 Judges").

The top nine (9) eligible Semi-Finalists — three (3) per category — will be selected as eligible finalists (each, a "Finalist"). Round 2 judging is scheduled to be completed on or about September 25, 2026 (the "Round 2 Selection Date").

Pitch 1: Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year – Round 2 Criteria

Pitch 2: Start-Up of the Year – Round 2 Criteria

Pitch 3: Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year – Round 2 Criteria

In the event of a tie between two (2) or more eligible Semi-Finalists within a category, the tiebreaker procedure in Section 5 shall apply, using the Round 2 Criteria for the applicable category.

IMPORTANT – FINANCIAL REVIEW AND CREDIT CHECK: As part of the Round 2 process, eligible Semi-Finalists in the Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year and Start-Up of the Year categories may be required to provide accountant prepared financial statements to WEKH and/or CIBC for adjudication purposes. Such information will be used solely for the purposes of administering the Program and verifying eligibility, and will be handled in accordance with CIBC’s Privacy Policy (available at cibc.com/privacy).

WEKH or its designated representative will make a minimum of two (2) attempts to contact each eligible Finalist within three (3) business days of the Round 2 Selection Date. If a Finalist cannot be contacted, or if any notification is returned as undeliverable, such Finalist may, in the sole and absolute discretion of CIBC and WEKH, be disqualified and an alternate Finalist may be selected from the remaining eligible Semi-Finalists. Odds of being selected as a Finalist depend on the number of eligible Applications received and skill in meeting Round 2 Criteria.

Finalist Coaching

Each Finalist will be assigned one (1) representative from CIBC and one (1) representative from WEKH to provide pre-event coaching support. Each Finalist will be offered up to two (2) one-hour virtual coaching sessions prior to the Live Pitch Event. Participation in coaching sessions does not affect scoring.

Live Pitch Event

The Live Pitch Event (the "Event") will be held on October 20, 2026. Each Finalist will deliver a three (3) to five (5) minute pitch presentation, followed by a ten (10) to fifteen (15) minute question-and-answer session with judges. The Event will be held virtually, with CIBC judges attending on-site at CIBC Square (81 Bay Street, Toronto, ON), and Finalists and viewers will participate virtually.

Each Finalist must be available to participate in the Event in its entirety on the designated date. Failure to participate may, in the sole and absolute discretion of CIBC and WEKH, result in disqualification.

Winners will be announced on all CIBC and WEKH channels following the Event.

Round 3 Judging

The third and final round of the selection process will be completed by a separate panel of judges appointed and managed by CIBC, with unique judges assigned to each category (the "Round 3 Judges"). The Round 3 Judges will evaluate each Finalist’s live pitch and question-and-answer session on the basis of the following criteria:

Pitch 1: Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year – Round 3 Criteria

Pitch 2: Start-Up of the Year – Round 3 Criteria

Pitch 3: Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year – Round 3 Criteria

One (1) winner per category will be selected as an eligible prize recipient (each, a "Winner"). The Finalist with the highest Round 3 Score within their category will be selected as the Winner for that category. In the event of a tie, the tiebreaker procedure in Section 5 shall apply (using the Round 3 Criteria for the applicable category). In the event of an exact tie on all criteria, a new panel of judges will be appointed to break the tie. Odds of being selected as a Winner depend on the number of eligible Applications received and skill in meeting Round 3 Criteria.

CIBC or its designated representative will make a minimum of two (2) attempts to contact each eligible Winner within three (3) business days of the Event. If a Winner cannot be contacted, or if any notification is returned as undeliverable, such Winner may, in the sole and absolute discretion of CIBC, be disqualified and an alternate Winner may be selected from the remaining eligible Finalists in that category.

After the Live Pitch Event, registered virtual viewers will have the opportunity to cast votes for the Finalist pitch they find most compelling, innovative, or impactful.

The Finalist who receives the greatest number of audience votes will be selected as the Most Popular Vote winner (the "Popular Vote Winner"). Finalists selected as a Winner in the Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year, Start-Up of the Year, or Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year categories are not eligible to also win the Most Popular Vote.

In the event of a tie in audience votes, CIBC and WEKH will determine the Popular Vote Winner in their sole and absolute discretion. All decisions regarding the Most Popular Vote are final and binding without right of appeal.

The mechanics of the audience vote, including the voting platform and process, will be communicated to registered attendees prior to the Event. CIBC and WEKH reserve the right to modify or cancel the Most Popular Vote category in their sole and absolute discretion.

BY PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM, EACH APPLICANT AGREES (ON THEIR OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF THE ELIGIBLE BUSINESS) THAT ANY AND ALL MATERIALS SUBMITTED IN RELATION TO THIS PROGRAM (COLLECTIVELY, THE "MATERIALS") COMPLY WITH ALL CONDITIONS STATED IN THESE TERMS. THE PROGRAM PARTIES SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS BY THE APPLICANT AND THEIR ELIGIBLE BUSINESS IN THE EVENT THE APPLICANT OR THEIR ELIGIBLE BUSINESS DEPARTS FROM OR DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS. THIS RELEASE AND INDEMNITY SHALL CONTINUE IN FORCE FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE PROGRAM AND/OR THE AWARD OF ANY PRIZES.

By participating in the Program, each Applicant (on their own behalf and on behalf of the Eligible Business) hereby warrants and represents to CIBC and WEKH that any and all Materials submitted:

1. are original to the Applicant and/or that the Applicant has obtained all necessary rights in and to such Materials for the purpose of participating in the Program;
2. do not violate any law, statute, ordinance, or regulation;
3. do not contain any reference to or likeness of any identifiable third parties unless consent has been obtained from all such individuals (and their parent or legal guardian if they are under the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence);
4. will not give rise to any claims whatsoever, including, without limitation, claims of infringement, invasion of privacy or publicity, or infringe on any rights or interests of any third party; and
5. will not contain, depict, include, discuss, or otherwise involve any material that is or could be considered inappropriate, unsuitable, or offensive, as determined by CIBC and WEKH in their sole and absolute discretion.

By participating in the Program, each Applicant (on their own behalf and on behalf of the Eligible Business) hereby: (i) grants to CIBC and WEKH, in perpetuity, a non-exclusive license to publish, display, reproduce, modify, edit, or otherwise use all submitted Materials, in whole or in part, for advertising or promoting the Program or for any other purpose (including, but not limited to, sharing information from Applications with the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub as part of a research study to build research on women entrepreneurs in Canada); (ii) waives all moral rights in and to the submitted Materials in favour of CIBC and WEKH (and anyone authorized by them to use such Materials); and (iii) agrees to release and hold harmless CIBC, WEKH, and the other Released Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising from use of the submitted Materials.

By participating in the Program, each Applicant acknowledges that: (i) CIBC and WEKH are not considering submitted Materials in confidence; (ii) CIBC and WEKH are not bound by any confidentiality obligations unless specifically set out in a written and signed agreement; (iii) CIBC and WEKH are not admitting that any submitted Materials are novel, proprietary, or original; and (iv) CIBC and WEKH are not under any obligation with respect to submitted Materials, including any obligation to pay compensation or give credit, unless specifically stated in a written and signed agreement.

If selected as a Finalist or Winner, each Applicant agrees to participate in media and promotional activities relating to the Program if requested by CIBC or WEKH, including appearances in social media content, press releases, and event materials. Winners may be required to report on the use of prize funds as determined by CIBC and WEKH.

One (1) prize will be awarded per category as set out in the table below. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and are not transferable, assignable, or convertible to cash (specific to the additional recognition), except as may be specifically permitted by CIBC in its sole and absolute discretion.

The total approximate retail value of all prizes is $45,000 CAD. Under no circumstances will the difference between the actual and approximate retail value be awarded.

Each confirmed Winner will be required to execute documentation required by CIBC prior to receiving their prize, including confirmation of eligibility and agreement to any reporting obligations with respect to the use of prize funds. Winners are solely responsible for all applicable taxes and reporting obligations arising from receipt of a prize.

If a confirmed Winner: (a) fails to execute required documentation within the timeframe specified by CIBC; (b) cannot accept or is unwilling to accept the prize; or (c) is found to be in violation of these Terms; then CIBC reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to disqualify such Winner and select an alternate Winner from the remaining Finalists in that category.

CIBC reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to reassign Applicants to different categories or to decline to award a prize in a category if the eligible Applicant pool for that category is determined to be insufficient.

The Program is subject to all applicable federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal laws. The decisions of CIBC and WEKH with respect to all aspects of the Program are final and binding on all participants without right of appeal.

ANYONE DEEMED BY CIBC OR WEKH TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THE LETTER AND/OR SPIRIT OF THESE TERMS FOR ANY REASON IS SUBJECT TO DISQUALIFICATION IN THE SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION OF CIBC AND WEKH AT ANY TIME.

For the purposes of these Terms, the "Released Parties" means CIBC, WEKH, and each of their respective agents, employees, shareholders, officers, directors, members, successors, and assigns.

The Released Parties will not be liable for: (i) any failure of any website or platform; (ii) any technical malfunction or other problems of any nature whatsoever, including those relating to computer systems, servers, internet access, or software; (iii) the failure of any Materials or other information to be received, captured, or recorded for any reason; (iv) any injury or damage to any individual’s or entity’s computer(s) or other device(s) related to participating in the Program; (v) anyone being incorrectly identified as a Winner; and/or (vi) any combination of the above.

CIBC reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to withdraw, amend, or suspend the Program (or to amend these Terms) in any way, in the event of any cause beyond reasonable control that interferes with the proper conduct of the Program, including, without limitation, any error, problem, computer virus, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, or failure of any kind.

CIBC reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel, amend, or suspend the Program, or to amend these Terms, in any way without prior notice or obligation, in the event of any accident, printing, administrative, or other error, or for any other reason.

Any attempt to undermine the legitimate operation of the Program may be a violation of criminal and/or civil laws, and CIBC reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.

By participating in the Program, each Applicant (on their own behalf and on behalf of the Eligible Business) expressly consents to CIBC, WEKH, their agents and/or representatives, storing, sharing, and using any personal information submitted for the purpose of administering the Program, in accordance with CIBC’s Privacy Notice (available at cibc.com/en/privacy-security/privacy-notice.html) and WEKH’s privacy practices.

CIBC may share anonymized information from Applications with external research partners as part of a research study to understand growth and sustainability strategies of Canadian entrepreneurs. This section does not limit any other consent(s) that an individual or entity may have provided to CIBC, WEKH, or others in relation to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.

CIBC reserves the right to adjust any dates, timeframes, or other mechanics stipulated in these Terms to the extent deemed necessary for the purposes of verifying compliance, as a result of any technical or other problems, or in light of any other circumstances that affect the proper administration of the Program.

In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between these English Terms and any Program-related materials, including any French version of these Terms or any advertising materials, these English Terms shall prevail, govern, and control to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Terms shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. If any provision is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, these Terms shall otherwise remain in effect as if the invalid or illegal provision were not contained herein.

Not applicable to residents of Quebec: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Terms, or the rights and obligations of participants or the Released Parties in connection with the Program, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provisions that would cause the application of any other jurisdiction’s laws. The parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in Ontario in any action to enforce (or otherwise relating to) these Terms or the Program.

The Program is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, any third-party platform, including but not limited to YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or LinkedIn. Each such platform is hereby released of all liability by each Applicant in this Program.