Northern Ontario Angels (NOA), NORCAT Innovation, co-hosted with the City of Greater Sudbury and the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, announce their collaboration for Venture North Pitch 2024, an event designed to bring together entrepreneurs and investors to explore and expand the innovative potential of Northern Ontario. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at Place des Arts in Sudbury, Ont.
“Greater Sudbury is home to some of the most dynamic entrepreneurs and forward-thinking innovators, whose contributions are driving economic growth and shaping the future of our region,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “The City of Greater Sudbury is proud to support the Venture North Pitch 2024 showcase and the incredible talent and ingenuity of our local innovators and business leaders.”
Venture North Pitch aims to attract accredited investors and innovative entrepreneurs eager to make their mark in the North. The event will kick off at 1 p.m. with a keynote presentation by Dragons’ Den advisor and professor of entrepreneurship Dr. Sean Wise, along with fireside chats, the Venture North Pitch Student Innovation Challenge, and local entertainment by the Sarah Craig Jazz Trio. The evening will culminate with PITCH finalists presenting their ideas, competing for significant cash prizes and investment opportunities.
“I am delighted to see Venture North Pitch 2024 coming to life with such strong partnerships and support from our community members. This event is a testament to the incredible entrepreneurial spirit in Northern Ontario, and it will undoubtedly showcase the immense talent and innovation our region has to offer,” said Ian Lane, executive director of Northern Ontario Angels.
The evening will conclude with PITCH, powered by NORCAT. Four companies will pitch to a distinguished panel of judges, including Dr. Sean Wise, Jean-François Démoré, and Danielle Graham, for a chance to win these prestigious awards.
“This collaboration with Northern Ontario Angels for Venture North Pitch 2024 significantly amplifies the impact we can have on our local entrepreneurs and community,” said Brendan Skiffington, manager of NORCAT Innovation. “By providing a platform for innovative ventures to pitch their ideas, we are fostering a vibrant ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and job creation right here in Northern Ontario.”
PITCH Prizes & Opportunities:
- $250,000 CAD Investment Opportunity from the Sudbury Catalyst Fund (investment criteria determined by the Sudbury Catalyst Fund, contingent upon
- passing due diligence);
- $10,000 Judges’ Choice Award who will also receive Business Development Vouchers (combined value $3,000) donated by Bereskin & Parr LLP and BDO Canada; and
- $5,000 People’s Choice Award sponsored by Plan A and StaffStat.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Presentation: “From Startup to Dragons’ Den: Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Attract Investors” by Dr. Sean Wise
- Fireside Chat Topics: “A Practical Overview of AI for Business Leaders and Investors”, “Investing in Her: Trailblazing Women in Entrepreneurship”
- Presentation by City of Greater Sudbury and Greater Sudbury Development Corporation to support Innovation Blueprint
- Venture North Pitch Student Innovation Challenge: Open to post-secondary students with an opportunity to pitch to the audience and a panel of judges Applications to join are currently being accepted online. Cash prizes will be awarded for first-place ($1,000) and second-place ($500) winners.
To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit our website: https://northernontarioangels.ca/venture-north/.
