Entrepreneurs and funders looking to make a valuable connection may get their chance, thanks to the first Funding Roadshow moving across Canada this month.
For about two weeks in May, the roadshow is making stops for day-long events across the country. The event kicks off on May 13 in Montreal, then continues May 16 in Ottawa, May 17 in Toronto, May 24 in Vancouver, May 29 in Calgary, and wraps up on May 30 in Edmonton.
Fundica provides a searchable catalogue of funding sources for business that includes grants, tax credits, loans and equity funding. The free online database spans more than 12,000 funding sources in Canada, allowing entrepreneurs to search for relevant backers instead of trawling multiple websites. Fundica says it’s hosting its road show to help entrepreneurs learn to make good pitches.
For new entrepreneurs, lesson one is to cut things down and be concise. Entrepreneurs will get five minutes to make a pitch to a panel of funders, and then another five minutes for a Q&A session. Seed money isn’t guaranteed, but entrepreneurs will get feedback from the funding panel and advice on how to improve their pitches. The day ends with a networking event at a local pub.
So far, funders include Mitacs, the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Anges Quebec, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Wavefront, the Royal Bank of Canada, FedDev, Ontario Centres of Excellence, the Development Bank of Canada, Real Ventures and BDC Venture Capital.
The event is open to entrepreneurs from small to mid-sized businesses with a focus on technological development. Space is limited, as the roadshow will take only 30 entrepreneurs and eight funders per event.
The deadline to apply for dates in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto is May 9, while entrepreneurs in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary can apply up until May 20. Online registration is available here.
Fundica hopes to take the event on the road at least once a year in the future, with possible expansions into other provinces in Canada.
