Rise Up is an opportunity for Black women entrepreneurs, at any stage of business, to shine and pitch for the chance to

• Present their business concept to an esteemed panel of judges.
• Increase visibility, recognition, and financial support for your entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Connect with like-minded Black women entrepreneurs, both aspiring and established.

The RiseUp Pitch Workshops + Competition will take you through programming that will equip you for entrepreneurial success and give you the opportunity to win $10,000 in funding for your business!

The 2024 Pitch Workshops + Competition

The fourth annual RiseUp Pitch Competition and Program offers the opportunity for Black Women+ entrepreneurs at different stages of business to pitch for the chance to win $10,000 and access to entrepreneurial development resources.

Co-founded by the Black Business and Professional Association, The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), Diversity Institute, and Casa Foundation with support from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Loblaw Companies Limited, Hydro One, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), The Globe and Mail, and City of Brampton is dedicated to enabling the success of Black women in business. Applications for the RiseUp Pitch Workshops and Competition are open until April 21, 2024 @ 11:59 PM EST.

Eligibility Requirements for Participants:

• Must be a legal resident of Canada.
• Self-identified woman, of African, Caribbean, or Black descent.
• 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Must own a for-profit business, with the applicant as a founder and majority shareholder, registered and operating in Canada.
• Applicants can apply in one category only, subject to organizers’ discretion for category reassignment or prize withdrawal if necessary.
• Be aware that awarded funding is subject to taxation.
• Availability for Business Workshops, Pitch Coaching, and the Live Pitch Session is required.
• Note: Pitch Coaches and judges are ineligible to apply.

2024 TIMELINE

• March 13 – April 6 | (Sign up Here)
• April 7 | Applications open
• April 16 + 18 (10:00AM – 2:00PM EST) | Business workshop sessions
• April 21 | Applications submissions due
• May 3 | Semi-finalists notified; 1:1 Business plan reviews.
• May 8 – 15 | Pitch coaching sessions
• May 17 | Live pitch competition

Learn more about the application process in this instructional video.

We’ll contact you to confirm your registration and your Rise Up level. What are you waiting for Rise Up women?

Contact us at [email protected]