Who is The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program for?

The Adlon Brown Forum pitch is a program for all Canadian self-identity women, non-binary and transform entrepreneurs who are looking to raise capital within the next 12 months. And those who are looking to plug into a fiercely supportive community who can help them achieve their goals. So whether you've been through a raise before or you're preparing for your first, we can support.

What do the Semi-Finalists receive?

As a Semi-Finalist you'll receive paid travel and accommodation to the Toronto and Vancouver Semi-Final events in accordance to your residence /proximity to each event location. And at these events, you'll have the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, make new connections as well as connect with funders who are looking to support businesses like yours. And you'll also receive 1 on 1 mentor chip valued at $5,000 from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts as well as access to The Forum Mentor Program.

Who is eligible for the free virtual education and how do I participate?

On November 6th and 13th, we'll be hosting two free days of virtual education to help you learn more about how to access the right capital for your business. It will help you learn more about the types of funding that can accelerate your business, how to access them and how to pitch for them. Plus it's also an opportunity to connect with peers and the for faculty, all applicants are eligible to participate in these sessions and details will be shared with you as part of your confirmation email when you receive your completed application form.

What do I get for applying?

There are tons of benefits for applying this year. As an applicant, you'll find clarity for your business, including its purpose goals and key value proposition. And you'll also gain access to an active community that will support and champion you for years to come, including the potential to meet future investors, mentors, buyers, partners, collaborators and more. And by applying, you'll also benefit from two days of free educational programming valued at $500. The Autumn Brown Forum pitch education sessions will take place on November 6th and 13th.

Interested in applying, but you're unsure where to start. Keep listening. Step one is to create your 62nd entry video and upload it to YouTube to make sure that it's not viewed publicly. Don't forget to make your video unlisted when publishing that way, only you and those with the link will be able to view it. Also, please ensure that your video is a maximum of 60 seconds long as noted in our terms and conditions. Step two is to complete your application form before October 24th at 4 p. m. Pacific 7 p. m. Eastern time. You can click save and resume later at the bottom of the application form to save your progress and to return back to it. But however, please ensure that you save the link provided to you as you do so and with all that being said, set a reminder and don't forget to submit before the deadline.

What do the Finalists receive?

As a Finalist, you'll receive 1 of 3 prize packages each with an estimated value of $30,000 in financial and social capital, as well as mentorship to help fuel your company's growth. You'll also gain brand exposure through national PR coverage and The Forum's Canada-wide community of self-identifying women, non-binary and trans-femme entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors and sponsors and receive exclusive videos and photos that highlight your business story and program experience to share throughout your community as well as performance coaching. And on top of all this, you'll also gain access to the forum E-Series program.

Scroll

Your funding path starts here

Mentorship. Exposure. Education.
Connections to Funders.

Mehwish Panjwani

QUIL

Connie Stacey

GRENGINE

Mehrsa Raeiszadeh

MINTLIST

Kelly Thomson

QUIL

Carlyn Loncaric

VODASAFE INC.

The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch

share your business vision in a 1-minute video.

Need inspiration? See how Connie Lo, Co-Founder of Three Ships, outlines her business vision in this example of a 1-minute pitch.

After you’ve applied, you’ll also have the opportunity to improve your pitching skills throughout the program. Just watch the 2023/24 Finale pitches from PragmaClin, Apricotton and Revol Cares!

JOIN THE WAITLIST

The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch

share your business vision in a 1-minute video.

Need inspiration? See how Connie Lo, Co-Founder of Three Ships, outlines her business vision in this example of a 1-minute pitch.

After you’ve applied, you’ll also have the opportunity to improve your pitching skills throughout the program. Just watch the 2023/24 Finale pitches from Pragmaclin, Apricotton and Revol Cares!

Apply Now

How does the program work?

APPLICATIONS OPEN

SEPTEMBER 19 - OCTOBER 24, 2024
4pm PDT / 7pm EDT
It all starts with a 1-minute pitch video, where you share your business vision and the impact it will have on our communities.
We’d love to hear your business vision, passions, and the amount of financial capital you're seeking to activate your growth.

JOIN THE WAITLIST

LIVE VIRTUAL EDUCATION SESSIONS

***NOVEMBER 6 & 13, 2024***
Join us for two days of free live virtual education sessions to help you learn more about how to access the right capital for your business.
Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll host virtual education sessions with our community. During these sessions, you’ll learn and connect with lenders, investors, experts and peers who can help you access the capital you need to expand your business.

SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

*DECEMBER 5, 2024*
The Forum Community Panel – who represent a cross-section of industries, backgrounds, and geographies – will review all submissions and choose the Semi-Finalists, whose businesses will be celebrated and receive exposure through The Forum’s national channels.

HONE YOUR PITCH

*DECEMBER 2024 - FEBRUARY 2025*
As a Semi-Finalist, you’ll be paired with a dedicated mentor to help you prepare and hone your storytelling skills.
You’ll review and re-work your pitch to be 3 minutes in length alongside someone who has real-world experience and specialized expertise to support you in crafting your pitch.

SEMI-FINAL EVENT - TORONTO

***FEBRUARY 13, 2025***
All Semi-Finalists will pitch live at the first Semi-Final Event in Toronto. Our Community Panel will ask questions, share observations and score the pitch to help you learn and grow.
Please note travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for anyone who does not live in Toronto. All Semi-Finalists are required to attend to be eligible for the program. Prior to applying, please ensure you are able to be in Toronto by 12pm local time on February 13, 2025.
*Terms and conditions apply.*

SEMI-FINAL EVENT - VANCOUVER

***FEBRUARY 20, 2025***
After the first round of pitching in Toronto, Semi-Finalists will pitch live again at the Semi-Final Event in Vancouver. Our Community Panel will ask questions and share observations that can help you learn and grow. Then, the Finalists will be selected and announced!
Please note travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for anyone who does not live in Vancouver. All Semi-Finalists are required to attend to be eligible for the program. Prior to applying, please ensure you are able to be in Vancouver by 12pm local time on February 20, 2025.
*Terms and conditions apply.*

REFINE YOUR FUNDRAISING PITCH

***FEBRUARY - APRIL 2025***
If selected, you’ll work with a new mentor and a presentation coach to prepare your final pitch.
These experts will help you integrate the feedback you’ve received, access specialized resources for your business, and give you personalized guidance on how to further refine your final pitch for **The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale**.

SHARE YOUR FINAL PITCH & MEET THE COMMUNITY

***APRIL 25, 2025 - THE ODLUM BROWN FORUM PITCH FINALE***
You’ll share your refined pitch one last time, presenting to an audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors. As one of the three Finalists you’ll then receive a prize package with an estimated value of $30,000 CAD, in financial, social, and wisdom capital, which will help you fund your business, continue to improve your skills, access specialized support and more. One business will also receive an additional cash prize of $20,000 CAD.
We’ll invite a community of hundreds to celebrate your journey and practice community as a verb–offering what they can to help you achieve your business goals and get access to capital.

Ready to access more opportunities for your business than you ever thought possible?

Applications are now closed. Join the waitlist for 2025/2026.

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Explore the #PathToPitch

Hundreds of women entrepreneurs nationwide have taken the leap to apply for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program. Discover the inspiring journeys of both past and present applicants as they share their experiences below!