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Finalists announced
In partnership with CIBC Business Banking
Meet the 2026 finalists
Nine Canadian ventures, three categories, one live pitch. Our finalists were selected from applicants across the country after two rounds of judging. On October 20, they pitch live to a panel of CIBC and WEKH judges.
Entrepreneurial Success Story of the Year
For established Canadian businesses that have demonstrated sustained growth, market expansion, and lasting impact.
$20,000 CADCategory prize
Start-Up of the Year
For businesses less than two years old that are building something new, moving fast, and ready to scale.
$10,000 CADCategory prize
Promising Student Entrepreneur of the Year
For currently enrolled post-secondary students with an existing venture or an idea turning into a venture.
$10,000 CADCategory prize
Audience choice
Vote for your favourite runner-up
All runners-up are eligible for the Most Popular Vote. Watch the live pitches on October 20, then come back to vote for the venture you want to see win.
Voting opens October 21
$5,000 CAD
Most Popular Vote
- Voting opens October 21, once the three category winners are confirmed.
- All runners-up are eligible. Category winners are not eligible.
- The Most Popular Vote results will be announced in late October.
Live pitch event
Watch the finalists pitch live
The event is held virtually, with judges on-site at CIBC Square in Toronto. Category winners are announced the same night.
Register to attendFinalist coaching sessions
September 28 to October 9, 2026
Live pitch event
October 20, 2026
Category winners announced
October 20, 2026
Most Popular Vote opens
October 21, 2026
Most Popular Vote results announced
Late October 2026
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.
