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AWEC Pitch Your Vision Competition 2026

Aimed at strengthening economic security
and the business sustainability of early-stage
women founders in arts/creative and service-based/ small-enterprise industries, the AWEC Pitch Your Vision Competition is an accessible, high-impact entrepreneurship program designed to meet women where they are.

This program directly advances women’s
economic security by combining accessible entrepreneurship education, mentorship and coaching, and direct financial assistance through cash prizes.

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​Registration is free. 

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AWEC Pitch Your Vision Competition creates an accessible space for female creatives, artists, makers, service providers, and small business owners to participate in a business bootcamp, avail of hands-on pitch training and coaching, and compete in a live pitch competition with cash prizes.

Winners receive cash prizes to invest directly into their businesses—whether that’s marketing, product development, equipment, or scaling operations. The focus is on practical funding for real-world businesses.

YOU DON'T JUST PITCH. YOU GROW.

Participation in the program requires a commitment to attend all scheduled sessions, including the bootcamp, quarter-final pitch rounds/semi-final pitch rounds, and the final competition if selected.  

1

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to all early-stage female founders: creatives, artists, makers, service providers, and small business owners

  • You must be residing in the province of Ontario

  • Business must be currently active and must have been in operation for no more than four (4) years at the time of application

  • Ready and committed to attending all bootcamp sessions virtually or in-person

  • Past winners of the AWEC Pitch Your Vision Competition are not eligible to reapply

2

HOW TO APPLY

  • Complete an online application form

  • Attend a virtual interview

  • Registration is free

3

IMPORTANT DATES

  • MARCH 15 - Application deadline

  • APRIL 15 - Program participants announced

  • MAY - JULY - Bootcamp

  • AUGUST - Showcase Day and Quarter finals

  • SEPTEMBER - Semi-finals

  • OCTOBER - Grand Finals and awarding ceremony

Expert-led bootcamp workshops and coaching! 

8-week Business Bootcamp
Participants engage in weekly sessions covering:
Business foundations and positioning
Customer clarity and pricing strategies
Revenue generation for small-scale businesses
Branding and storytelling
Financial literacy and sustainability
Leadership
Public speaking

Mentorship and Pitch Coaching
Participants receive structured support to:
Develop a clear and compelling business narrative
Build confidence in presenting their ideas
Refine business models and value propositions

Community Showcase
A supportive environment where participants:
Showcase their products and services
Present early versions of their pitches
Receive constructive feedback
Build confidence in public speaking
 

Live Pitch Competition
Founders will receive direct financial awards.
The cash prizes for 2026 are:
1st Prize: $1,500
2nd Prize: $1,000
3rd Prize: $500
This cash funding supports:
Business startup costs
Product development
Marketing and growth activities

Microphone On Stage

Meet the 2026 Cohort

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