The application period for the 2022 Sensational Summer PitchFest is now closed.

Introduction

Through funding provided by the PEI Interministerial Women's Secretariat and the Atlantic Canadian Women in Growth Partnership, PEIBWA is excited to offer this unique and exciting opportunity to women entrepreneurs across Prince Edward Island. The Sensational Summer PitchFest is a competitive pitch competition for women entrepreneurs in early growth-stage businesses seeking growth capital for an innovative business venture or to further develop or launch a new product or service. The intent of this first-ever competition for women only is to invest funds to help in the successful growth and expansion of operations through a series of workshops, coaching with industry experts, networking opportunities - all for a chance to compete for a $15,000 award!

Read the full Press Release in English: HERE
Lisez le Communique de Presse en francais: ICI

Eligibility

Women-owned, for-profit businesses (defined as being at least 51% owned by a woman or women), in any sector, currently registered in Prince Edward Island that have been in operation for at least one (1) year (as of April 2022) and are in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are eligible to apply.

All eligible applicants will have the opportunity to participate in the business training and pitch coaching sessions leading up to the final Pitch Fest Competition. Successful applicants must meet the following additional criteria in order to be considered for this competition:

1. Resident living in and operating business in Prince Edward Island
2. Majority women-owned business operation (at least 51%)
3. Registered PEI Company
4. Been in operation for at least one (1) year (as of April 2022)

Priority may be given to underrepresented populations including but not limited to indigenous women and women of colour, women in trades and STEAM disciplines, LGBTQ+, newcomers, and women with disabilities, at the discretion of PEIBWA.

PLEASE NOTE: Ineligible applications include

• PEIBWA Board members, employees and their households and immediate family members.
• A business that has defaulted outstanding debt obligations on file in the Province’s Central Default Registry.

Criteria

PEIBWA's Sensational Summer PitchFest funding is intended to assist businesses in further development of a product (new or existing) and/or for further expansion of services to move your business to the next level.

All applications will be evaluated against a clear set of criteria using the information provided in your application, with the following considerations:

1. Experience of Founder(s)/Management Team
2. Proposed product/service
3. Market value/level of innovation
4. Demonstrated business growth opportunties
5. Export potential
    

Costs
While there is no financial contribution required of the client, there is an expectation of a time commitment during the project and through the evaluation phase.

Frequently Asked Questions 

You can find answers to the frequently asked questions about the Sensational Summer PitchFest including the application process, eligible and ineligible expenses and the expectations of grant recipients at THIS LINK.

If you still have questions about the application process and eligibility requirements, or if you are hesitant to apply, please watch our recording of the virtual information session that was held on Wednesday, May 25th at THIS LINK. During the session, you will learn whether this pitch competition will be a good fit for you and your business!

Pitch Workshops for Participants