July 9, 2024
Sudbury, ON – 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, September 19, 2024, at Place des Arts in Sudbury, Ontario.
"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 1p.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 bright ideas 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."
Need more about the application process?
Interested ventures are encouraged to apply online before July 23rd 2024. Applications will be reviewed and selected by the NORCAT Innovation Mentor Committee, culminating in the final pitches during the Venture North event on September 19th. Interested entrepreneurs can apply to PITCH via an online application.
Applications open July 9th 2024, the deadline for entries is July 23rd.
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
•$5,000 People’s Choice Award sponsored by Plan A and Staff Stat
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.
•Local Entertainment: Sarah Craig Jazz Trio
•Networking Opportunities
•Investor Zone: Investors will have the opportunity to connect with our selection of up-and-coming entrepreneurs
•Door Prizes: Including Cinefest tickets, Startup Opportunities book by Dr. Sean Wise, and local business baskets
•Event Recording: Eastlink Community TV
•Event Hashtag: #VentureNorthPitch2024
Tickets:
•Full-Day Tickets (Includes Conference + PITCH): $125
•PITCH Tickets (Evening Only): $25
To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit our website: https://www.norcat.org/pitch2024.html
We extend our gratitude to our event partners:
•City of Greater Sudbury & Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (Title)
•Compass CPA (Networking Reception)
•Plan A / Staff Stat (People’s Choice Award)
•Bereskin & Parr LLP (Investor Zone)
•Innova Wealth Partners (Private Reception)
•Eastlink Community TV (Media)
•Querney’s Office Plus (Accelerator)
•Cambrian College (Innovator)
•Link North (Innovator)
•CircuitIQ (Innovator)
•Hilton Garden Inn Sudbury (Host Hotel)
•Bearskin Airlines (Host Airline)
Booking accommodations: A room block is available at the Hilton Garden Inn, 475 Barry Downe Road, Sudbury P3A 3T4, 705-586-3001 under the group code "PITCH." The special rate is $149.00 + tax per night for a double Queen or single King guest room. Reservations must be made before Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
ONLINE RESERVATIONS – QUICK LINK TO BOOK
Booking flights: Enjoy a special discounted rate exclusively for Venture North Pitch attendees when booking your flight with Bearskin Airlines! Secure your flights today for a seamless conference experience. Reserve online using the promotion code NOA15OFF or call the Thunder Bay line directly 1-800-465-2327 to book. Note: This promo code can only be used for flight dates between September 17th to September 22nd. ONLINE RESERVATIONS – QUICK LINK TO BOOK
About Northern Ontario Angels:
Northern Ontario Angels (NOA) stands as the sole Accredited Angel Organization in Northern Ontario. As a proud member of both the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) and Angel Investors Ontario (AIO), NOA connects accredited angel investors to Northern Ontario entrepreneurs looking for growth capital and investments. By facilitating connections between visionary startups and accredited investors, NOA plays a vital role in fostering innovation and driving economic development in Northern Ontario. www.northerontarioangels.ca
About NORCAT Innovation:
NORCAT is a global leader in skilled labor training, development, and innovation services. As Sudbury’s Regional Innovation Centre, NORCAT Innovation focuses on supporting early-stage tech startups and their founders. We provide access to essential resources and connect them with the networks necessary to start, grow, and scale their ventures.
About Greater Sudbury:
The city of Greater Sudbury is centrally located in northeastern Ontario and is composed of a rich mix of urban, suburban, rural and wilderness environments. Greater Sudbury is 3,627 square kilometres in area, making it the geographically largest municipality in Ontario and second largest in Canada. Greater Sudbury is considered a city of lakes, containing 330 lakes. It is a multicultural and truly bilingual community. More than six per cent of people living in the city are First Nations. Greater Sudbury is a world class mining centre and a regional centre in financial and business services, tourism, health care and research, education and government for northeastern Ontario.
About the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation:
The GSDC is the economic development arm of the City of Greater Sudbury, consisting of an 18-member volunteer board of directors, including City Councillors and the Mayor, and supported by City staff.
Working with the Director of Economic Development, the GSDC acts as a catalyst for economic development initiatives and supports the attraction, development and retention of business in the community. Board members represent various private and public sectors including mining supply and services, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitality and tourism, finance and insurance, professional services, retail trade, and public administration.
About the Sudbury Catalyst Fund:
The Sudbury Catalyst Fund is a unique co-investment seed capital venture fund administered by the Nickel Basin Federal Development Corporation in collaboration with the City of Greater Sudbury, the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, FedNor, and NORCAT. For more information, visit www.norcat.org/innovation/sudbury-catalyst-fund.html or www.nickelbasin.ca.
For more information, please contact: Taran Bassan, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Northern Ontario Angels at taran@northernontarioangels.ca or 647-688-0998 | Cynthia Furlotte, Communications Lead at NORCAT at cfurlotte@norcat.org or 705-521-8324 | City of Greater Sudburycommunications@greatersudbury.ca
Sponsorships are available for this event, please contact Kimberley Wahamaa-Deschenes, Operations & Events Manager at Northern Ontario Angels at kim@northernontarioangels.ca or 705-207-2658 for more information.