BIZ Ecosystem Pitch Competition at Elevate Festival

​About the Event

​The Black Innovation Zone Ecosystem Showcase Pitch Competition is where 10 bold ideas meet the spotlight. Fifteen hand-picked founders will pitch live, bringing their visions, hustle, and game-changing solutions to an audience of investors, partners, and changemakers. Powered by BIZ in partnership with TiE Toronto and Meridian, this competition celebrates Black-led entrepreneurship at the heart of Elevate Festival.

​Elevate Festival Context

​Elevate Festival 2025 brings together 15,000 curated attendees, including founders, investors, accelerators, and ecosystem leaders. Within this setting, BIZ creates visibility and opportunity for emerging Black-led ventures through:

• ​Pitch recognition on stage

• ​Networking opportunities with investors and partners

• ​Branded programming tied to the Black Entrepreneurship Prize

​Agenda

​2:30 – 4:00 PM | Ecosystem Pitch
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Networking Session

​Why Attend

• ​Watch 10 founders pitch in rapid-fire style

• ​Discover the startups shaping Canada’s future economy

• ​Meet investors, partners, and ecosystem leaders all in one room

• ​Feel the energy of live pitching and the excitement of new opportunities