BeaCon BIPOC Youth Business Pitch Competition

Empowering the Next Generation of BIPOC Entrepreneurs in Alberta

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About the Competition

Your idea deserves to be heard. Join the BeaCon Pitch Competition and take the first step in your entrepreneurial journey.

The BeaCon BIPOC Youth Business Pitch Competition is designed to support and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other underserved groups across Alberta. This exciting competition provides a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas, connect with mentors, and launch their entrepreneurial journey.

We are specifically seeking young entrepreneurs aged 18–39 from all industries from the following groups across Alberta who are ready to turn their business dreams into reality.

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
Underserved Groups

1. Individuals from Rural, Remote, or Isolated communities
2. Individuals with disabilities
3. Individuals from the 2SLGBTQI+ community
4. Newcomers (less than 5 years in Canada)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all the following:

Age: 18–39 years
Identity: Identify as BIPOC and/or part of an underserved group (listed above)
Residency: Must live in Alberta
Business Stage: Idea or business (registered/unregistered) under 5 years old as of July 25, 2025
Revenue: Under $100,000 in annual revenue over the past 5 years
Availability: Able to pitch live in-person on August 21, 2025 (virtual option available only if in-person is not feasible and internet is stable)

Please note these additional eligibility details

One application per individual or company
Only one representative may pitch per application

Language of Application & Pitch

You can apply in English or French

join the competition

Prizes & Opportunities

Cash Prizes

1st Prize: $2,000

2nd Prize: $1,000

Audience Choice Award: $500

In-Kind Prizes

Business plan review services

Complimentary coaching/mentorship

Professional legal services coupons

Certificate of participation for finalists

How to Apply

Fill out the Application Form
Language of Application & Pitch: English & French
Deadline: August 13, 2025, 5:00 PM MST

Judging Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

Target Market

Is there a clearly defined target market? Applicants should demonstrate a strong understanding of who their product or service is meant for and the specific needs of that audience.

Businesses that clearly outline their target market are more likely to deliver relevant, impactful, and sustainable solutions within their communities.

Problem & Objective

Does the business solve a real and lasting problem? Not every solution needs to be groundbreaking, but it should address a meaningful need, not just a passing trend.

Judges will look for ideas that reflect an understanding of their target market’s long-term needs and present thoughtful, practical responses to those needs.

Solution & Value Proposition

Is the solution innovative, well thought out? This criterion looks at the uniqueness, relevance, and quality of your product or service.

Judges will consider factors such as price, convenience, innovation, branding, and how well the offering fits the identified need. A strong, clear value proposition is key.

Leadership & Readiness

Does the entrepreneur or team demonstrate the passion, preparedness, and support needed to build the business? This includes the entrepreneur's background, community connection, lived experience, and/or access to mentors or supporters.

We’re not looking for polished CEOs we’re looking for people with insight, heart, and hustle.

Traction & Progress (if any)

What progress has already been made toward building or testing the idea? This includes early feedback, prototypes, sales, partnerships, or even lessons learned.

We welcome businesses at all stages, even early ideas, but signs of progress help show readiness to take the next step.

Community Impact (if any)

How will this business make a difference for the community? Judges will assess whether the business idea supports economic, cultural, social, or environmental growth within a specific group or region.

A strong application will demonstrate how the business contributes to collective well-being, not just profit.

Differentiation & Competition

How is the business different from others in the same space? Applicants should show an awareness of other similar offerings and explain how their approach brings something new or needed.

It's not about being the only one, it’s about knowing your edge.

Revenue Model

How will or does this business make money? Judges want to see how the business intends to make money in a realistic and sustainable way.

Whether through sales, subscriptions, service fees, or another model, applicants should clearly explain how their revenue approach aligns with their goals and audience

Use of Prize Funds

How will the prize money help move the business forward? Applicants should clearly outline how they would use the prize money to address a specific challenge or unlock a meaningful next step in their business.

Judges will favor responses that show strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and potential for measurable impact.

Got a game-changing idea? Pitch it. Prove it. Launch it.

Apply now to the BeaCon BIPOC Youth Business Pitch Competition

Important Dates

Application Deadline	August 13, 2025 – 5:00 PM MST
Finalist Notification	August 15, 2025 (tentative)
Final Pitch Competition	August 21, 2025 – 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM