Startup Global
Thank you for supporting this year's Grand Finale, we're proud to once again support Canada's entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the global stage. Click below to meet the winners and to watch the grand finale recording.
Meet the winnersAbout Startup Global
What is it?
Startup Global (formerly the Canadian Export Challenge) connects a pan-Canadian cohort of entrepreneurs wanting to build global businesses with a network of partners dedicated to their success.
How we do it
Startup Global supports entrepreneurs to go global. We provide global and exporting exposure through workshops, bootcamps, pitch building, advisory support, digital resources and more—all packaged in an accessible and easy-to-use portal.
A look inside the portal
What’s in it for you and your business
For Startup Global 2021, we had one pitch competition with two categories: one for startups and one for scale-ups. The grand finale took place on October 21st, 2021. Read the full recap and watch the recording here.
We are delighted to partner with the embassy of Israel to launch a pitch competition for women-led startups focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Women-led startups from Canada and Israel are invited to apply to win one of four cash prizes worth $2,000 CAD each, as well as gain valuable mentorship guidance throughout the process. Learn more about the competition here.
Deadline: November 12 at 11:59pm ET.
Learn more and applyStartup Global’s dedicated portal includes workshops on various topics to help you go global. We’ll cover topics like export planning, shipping management, and funding available for entrepreneurs.
Timeline: Ongoing in the portal.
Join us for our Pitch Building Bootcamps, Entrepreneurs Going Global Panels, and other relevant sessions that connect you directly with subject matter experts. Get the chance to meet entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled global businesses and learn from their experience.
Timeline: Stay tuned for details!
Gain access to downloadable content such as how-to guides, entrepreneurial promotions, tools and templates, and practical insights from our partners to help take your business to the next level.
Timeline: Ongoing in the portal.
Book a 30-minute one-to-one meeting with one of our industry advisors to get tailored support for your business. Our vast network of industry subject matter experts are invested in your growth and getting your feet planted to be export-ready.
Timeline: Ongoing on the portal.
Pitch Competition
Grand Finale
Thank you for supporting this year's Grand Finale, we're proud to once again support Canada's entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the global stage. In case you missed it, you can relive the experience with a click of a button.
We'd like to congratulate Alt Tex (Startup Winner) and Kind Laundry (Scale-up Winner) for being our 2021 Startup Global Pitch Competition Winners.
Testimonials
“When Paige, my Co-founder, and our team found out we had won the Startup Canada Canadian Export Challenge, we were ecstatic. We are doing business differently and this comes with unique challenges—from creating new, sustainable alternatives to implementing a circular economy model. Our team is grateful and fired up to continue innovating, most importantly doing so with the intention to help our most important client—the Earth,”
“From the regional events to the Grand Finale, this experience has been fantastic and I would highly encourage all founders to participate next time! The Canadian Export Challenge has been a great platform to continue to share NanoTess’ story and raise awareness for diabetic foot ulcers,”
Past events
Our favourite highlights
See Startup Global (formerly the Canadian Export Challenge) in action over the years.
2021 Startup Global
Event recap2021 Canada-Israel Joint Pitch Competition
Event recap2020 Canadian Export Challenge
Watch Now2019 Canadian Export Challenge
Watch Now2018 Canadian Export Challenge
Watch NowIt’s time to go global
Whether you want to participate in pitch competitions and events, gain access to exporting guides, meet with expert advisors for support, or simply interested in selling overseas as an entrepreneur, Startup Global is your go-to portal to make your business ready to take the global stage. Get on the mailing list to be notified by filling the form below and selecting "Startup Global" in the program list.
Register nowOur program partners
Co-presenting partners
National partners
Community partners
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All virtual events of the Startup Global program are 100% free. In-person events will be ticketed, prices have been chosen to keep the event as accessible as possible to early stage entrepreneurs.
To be eligible for the Startup Global Pitch Competition, you must meet the following criteria:
- The intention/ability to export and expand your business internationally
- Less than $1,000,000 in revenue, as of February 3, 2025
- Less than $1,000,000 in fundraising or investment (grants, bank loans, equity funding), as of February 3, 2025
- Less than 5 years of operating your business, as of February 3, 2025
- Have business/operations based in Canada
To apply in-person to pitch, please register for the “Pitcher Pass” ticket type at the closest Startup Canada Tour stop to you. During this check-out process, you will be asked a series of questions about your business to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Participants are able to bring their product to the pitch. Please note, there is no set up time for products, therefore we can only allow small physical products. If you have a product that fits on a table top, you may bring it with you to your pitch.
Please visit the Startup Global Pitch Webpage for a full list of judging criteria.
If you pitched in 2024 but were not selected to be in the Top 10, you can apply again this year. If you were a Top 10 Finalist in 2024, you cannot apply to the Startup Global pitch this year. However, you are welcome to participate in the Startup Global programming.
No, you are only able to participate in one stream of the Startup Global Pitch Competition. This is to allow as many entrepreneurs the chance to apply and pitch.
Email us at global@startupcan.ca