CIBC Biz
Pitch
Competition™
Canada's entrepreneurs deserve a stage. Applications are now closed — thank you to everyone who submitted a pitch. Our judges are reviewing entries and semi-finalists will be notified directly.
†No purchase necessary. Rules apply
Where Canada's entrepreneurs compete and connect
The CIBC Biz Pitch Competition™ is a national pitch competition presented by CIBC Business Banking and the Women's Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) at the Diversity Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University.
Designed to celebrate and accelerate Canadian entrepreneurship, the competition invites businesses at every stage — from early-concept student ventures to established, high-growth companies — to compete for prize funding and national recognition.
Three competitive categories. One audience choice award. One live pitch event.
Applications closed August 31, 2026Compete in your category
Four prize categories recognize entrepreneurship at every stage.
For established Canadian businesses that have demonstrated sustained growth, market expansion, and lasting impact.
For businesses less than two years old that are building something new, moving fast, and ready to scale.
For currently enrolled post-secondary students with an existing venture or an idea turning into a venture.
Voting is open to all finalists in the three main categories. Votes may be cast by the live audience during the pitch event and can also be submitted after the event.
Three rounds. One stage.
From application to live pitch, here's how the competition works.
Application review
Applications closed August 31. A panel of judges is selecting 30 semi-finalists — 10 per category — with notifications going out September 1–18.
In-depth assessment
Semi-finalists undergo a deeper review by CIBC and WEKH representatives. Nine finalists advance — three per category — with notifications going out September 21–25.
Live pitch event
Finalists receive coaching from CIBC and WEKH between September 28 and October 9, then pitch live on October 20, 2026. Winners are announced the same night, with the Most Popular Vote result in late October.
What happens next
Most Popular Vote — late October
Who was eligible to apply
The competition was open to Canadian entrepreneurs across all industries and backgrounds. To be eligible, applicants needed to:
- ✓Be a resident of Canada and have reached the age of majority in your province or territory
- ✓Own or co-found an eligible business legally registered and headquartered in Canada
- ✓Not be an employee of CIBC or WEKH, or an immediate family member
- ✓Meet the specific requirements for your chosen category
Read the full Terms and Conditions.
Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year
Established businesses with demonstrated growth. No maximum operating period.
Start-Up of the Year
Must have been in active operation for less than two years as of August 31, 2026.
Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Currently enrolled in a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution. Concept-stage ventures welcome.
Most Popular Vote
Open to all finalists in the three main categories. Category winners are not eligible.
Frequently asked questions
I applied — when will I hear back?
Semi-finalists will be notified directly between September 1 and 18, 2026. Finalists will be notified between September 21 and 25, 2026. Check your spam folder and add di.wekh@torontomu.ca to your safe sender list so you don't miss anything.
Can I still submit an application?
No. Applications closed on August 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET and are no longer being accepted.
Do I need to be a CIBC client to have applied?
No. Having an account or any other relationship with CIBC was not required and did not affect any application.
Is the pitch event in person?
The Live Pitch Event will be held virtually, with judges attending on-site at CIBC Square in Toronto, Ontario. Finalists participate remotely.
Are there coaching resources for finalists?
Yes. Each finalist is offered up to two one-hour virtual coaching sessions with CIBC and WEKH representatives prior to the Live Pitch Event.
Will there be another competition next year?
Stay tuned to this page and WEKH's channels for updates on future editions of the competition.
Thank you for applying.
Applications are now closed.
Terms and Conditions
† NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory and who are founders or co-founders of an eligible Canadian business or venture. Eligible businesses must generally be Canadian-based, independently operated, in good standing, and meet the specific requirements of the applicable award category. Eligible applicants must submit an application on or before August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applications will be evaluated through a multi-stage judging process, with finalists advancing to a live virtual pitch event on October 20, 2026. 1 winner will be selected in each of the following categories: Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year ($20,000 CAD), Start-Up of the Year ($10,000 CAD), Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year ($10,000 CAD), and Most Popular Vote ($5,000 CAD). Eligible Applicants can only win in 1 category. Use of artificial intelligence to create or assist with an application is prohibited. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible applications received and the applicants' skill in meeting the judging criteria. Official Terms and Conditions: wekh.ca/bizpitch-terms-and-conditions-2026.
