When and where

Date and time: Tue, 13 Dec 2022, 6:30 PM AST

Location: Online

About this event

Celebrate our first round of START programming with us and cheer on the top 15 pitch participants at AYA Day! Everyone is welcome to join this virtual event.

Over the last 3 months, START program participants have participated in expert-led, intensive workshops and online learning content. We have supported aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs through relevant and accessible programming, free mentorship from Black business experts, and bi-weekly peer support sessions. We have learned so much during the last few months, and now it’s time to share with you!

What to Expect at AYA Day

• Watch the top 15 pitches selected by our judges and learn more about their entrepreneurial journey.
• Hear expert feedback that you may be able to incorporate into your own business.
• Support Black entrepreneurs and share your feedback on their pitches.
• Celebrate the first offering of the START program and learn more about what’s coming next.
• Cheer on our top 15 pitches

We started this pitch competition to give Black entrepreneurs the chance to practice pitching in a safe space and to provide an incentive-based program that helps Black founders in Atlantic Canada achieve their needs. Black entrepreneurs and innovators who have participated in our START program now have the opportunity to share their ideas with the larger community.

At our event, we’ll be showcasing the top 15 submissions and giving our expert panel of Black business experts the chance to ask entrepreneurs questions about their pitch. The top 5 pitches selected by our judges and audience will win $500 to put towards their business.

Are you a Black entrepreneur interested in submitting a pitch?

Share a 2-minute video pitch and receive feedback from Black industry experts. Check out our website to learn more about how to submit your pitch.

Pitches must be submitted by November 18, 2022 at 12 noon.

Submit Your Pitch

Celebrating the START program

With dedicated time and space to grow their skills and build out their business idea, Black entrepreneurs have been building the skills and confidence to position their businesses for success alongside other Black founders.

The 12-week START program combined virtual workshops and networking sessions with our online learning platform to help participants put those skills into practice. Black business experts led intensive workshops and training sessions that covered the major themes identified at our Atlantic Roadshow, and our online learning content made our workshops and resources accessible to all Black entrepreneurs.

Now, it’s time to celebrate this milestone with you and begin building the next steps!