2026 EY/CQCC Pitch Competition

Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with EY, invites CQCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business entrepreneurs to participate in the 2026 Virtual EY Pitch Series. This series comprises three Pitch Sessions throughout the year, offering selected participants the opportunity to present their pitches to a panel of judges within a 10-minute timeframe. Judges will provide constructive feedback and tips to help entrepreneurs enhance their selling techniques to corporate buyers.

The pitch competition is only for CQCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business Entrepreneurs. For a more robust understanding of what the EY Pitch Competition will entail, join us for an Info Session on February 19th, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET . This is a great opportunity to gain knowledge about the application process and what to expect at this year’s competition. This webinar will go over details of the pitch competition, you will get to meet past participants and will end with a Q&A.

Format of the 2026 EY Virtual Pitch Series:

• Each round will feature at least three participants.
• The order of presenters will be randomly selected before the presentations.
• Presentations are limited to two individuals from each participating company.
• Each participant will deliver a ten-minute presentation focusing on their service and value proposition.
• A two-minute warning will be given, and presentations must conclude after ten minutes.
• Presenters must use visual presentations. (PowerPoint, slides, Canva, Figma, etc.)

Prizes:

Winners of each round will be paired with mentors to prepare for the Finale in May.

• Best Pitch: Full scholarship to the Supplier Diversity Professional Excellence, Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth (approximate value: $4,000USD).
• Runner Up: To be announced.
• Third Place: To be announced.

Dates (Subject to change):

• MARCH 5 | 1-3 PM ET
• APRIL 2 | 1-3 PM ET
• MAY 7 | 1-3 PM ET
• FINALE in June. Dates to be announced.

You will receive a calendar invite for your slot upon registration if you get in! Participants are selected on first come, first served basis.

Mentorship:

After the last pitch session on May 7th, each finalist will be paired with a mentor from EY, who will receive up to four hours of one-to-one mentoring to perfect their pitch.

Judging:

EY will secure a minimum of 5 judges for each session and the Finale. Candidates will be assessed on a scale of 1-5 for the following criteria:

• Presentation materials
• Verbal communications
• Non-verbal communications
• Use of time
• Communication of core service(s)
• Value proposition

EY is committed to maintaining a diverse supplier base and building relationships with suppliers that reflect the market, clients and communities they serve. EY seeks to actively identify, develop, and do business with diverse suppliers as an integral component of its procurement activities. Their Inclusive and Sustainable Procurement team drives the supplier diversity initiative at EY to promote supplier inclusion.

Register below.