logo of "Project: Pitch It!" a business model canvas competition

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logo for Lambton College

COMING FALL OF 2026

multicultural college students talking

Available for 2026:

10,000
In scholarship prizes or for business/start-up expenses.

Have a business idea? Let’s pitch it!

$4,500 for 1st prize

$2,500 for 2nd prize

$1,500 for 3rd prize

$300 each of the remaining five (5) finalists

Prize Disclosure: The five (5) finalists who are not prize winners will each be given prizes at the conclusion of the live pitch event.  Prize winners who are currently Lambton College students will be awarded prize money on presentation of invoices for the equivalent, education-related expenses (i.e., tuition, books, IT support, rent and the like).  Alumni winners would be awarded prize money on presentation of the above (if they are continuing studies elsewhere) or on presentation of invoices related to a business/start-up.

What is PROJECT: Pitch It?

PROJECT: Pitch It! is a Business Model Canvas Competition that gives emerging thinkers, makers, and creators a chance to explore their ideas in a practical, supportive environment. Whether you’ve got a side hustle, a passion project, or just a “what if…” in your head — this is your chance to take it further.

Twenty (20) selected contestants, attend five hands-on workshops and receive one-on-one coaching from industry professionals. All Canvases are reviewed and eight (8) finalists are selected to present their business concept to a panel of judges at a live Pitch event. No business background or polished plan required.

Open to current Lambton College students and recent alumni (graduated between April 2024 & April 2026).

📅 Applications open September 1 and close September 25.

Wondering if this is for you?

Do you have an idea for a business you’d like to start (even a small one)?

Do you want help figuring out if your business idea might just work?

Are you curious about trying something new?

Are you a current student or recent grad?

Then YES! — this opportunity is for you.

How it works.

1

Apply

Submit a short online form + a 60-second video about your idea (filmed on your phone is just fine!) - Applications open Sept 1st.
2

Get Selected

20 contestants will be chosen to participate in the competition.
3

Join the Workshops

You’ll need to attend all five skill-building workshops on topics like marketing, value proposition, pitching, and more. (Please note that attendance at ALL five (5) workshops will be mandatory.)
4

Meet Your Mentor

You’ll have four (4) 15-minute virtual check-ins with your one-on-one mentor, plus a final 30-minute coaching session before your Canvas is due. These sessions are a chance to ask questions about the workshops and get support as you build your Canvas.
5

Build Your Canvas

With support from your mentor, you’ll complete your Business Model Canvas and submit a short written defense. (Submission due on Nov 13th)
6

Pitch It Live

8 finalists will be selected to pitch their idea at a live event on November 26 — and compete for $10,000 in prizes!

Why You Should Get Excited!

Skills. Support. Prizes. Confidence.

Workshops to help shape your idea

One-on-one coaching

No experience needed

Here’s what last year’s contestants had to say!

“

To be honest, I wasn’t fully confident in the ideas I presented during the Fall 2024 competition. But the encouragement and support I received from the mentors, especially Sarah and Anja, really pushed me to believe in myself and go for it. Their motivation helped me step out of my comfort zone, and I’m proud to say that I ended up securing 3rd place.

Being part of Project Pitch It! was a turning point for me. It not only boosted my confidence but also inspired me to take the next big step—starting my own digital marketing company here in Sarnia. I’m truly grateful I had the chance to participate and would highly recommend it to anyone who has an idea they’re passionate about.

Saurav Ghimire3rd Place, PROJECT: Pitch It! Fall 2024
“

Participating in the Project Pitch It! The Fall 2024 competition was an incredibly empowering experience. Being selected as the winner was a true honor, but more than the recognition, it was the journey that left a lasting impact.
The competition gave me a unique platform to present my business, "Mikabel Beauty" A beauty brand specializing in hair and makeup. Through the process, I gained access to valuable resources, mentorship, and guidance that helped me refine my vision and pitch with greater clarity and confidence.
To any student with a dream of launching or growing a business, I highly encourage you to take this opportunity. Project Pitch It! is not just a competition, it’s a steppingstone that nurtures potential, encourages innovation, and inspires the confidence needed to keep moving forward.
I’m sincerely grateful to the organizers for creating such a supportive environment for student entrepreneurs. This experience has been a meaningful part of my journey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Betty Kakulu, Founder, Mikabel BeautyWinner, PROJECT: Pitch It! Fall 2024
“

Project Pitch It! was the real hands-on experience you expected to have in a business program. It was an opportunity for me to bring theory to the real world and learn with highly skilled professionals in the field. You, too, should give it a try!

Debora Cristina SimaoContestant, PROJECT: Pitch It! Fall 2024
“

Thank you to the entire Lambton College Social Exchange Department team, and to Anja Christensen for leading an amazing project and encouraging students to pursue their goals. Thanks also to the Community Futures Lambton team for their incredible support and guidance during the workshops, as well as all the presenters and coaches for the valuable insights they provided.
Cheers to my future team! Rivega Films is in the process…

Isabel Rivera, Rivega FilmsContestant, PROJECT: Pitch It! Fall 2024
“

Joining and being chosen as one of the 8 finalists in Project Pitch It 2024 was a life-changing moment for me. Before joining, I was running my online food business with passion, but I lacked structure, strategy, and confidence in many areas. The workshops and mentoring sessions taught me how to understand my business model better, reach my target customers, and make smarter decisions. Learning from amazing business mentors and professionals didn’t just teach me the "how" of business—it helped me believe more in my potential.

After this experience, I feel more focused, empowered, and prepared to take my business to the next level. I am grateful to Lambton College, especially those who facilitated the Project Pitch It contest.

Jenneyve EncaboContestant, PROJECT: Pitch It! Fall 2024
“

Participating in Pitch It was a transformative experience that helped me step out of my comfort zone. For students who are afraid to test their ideas in the real world, this competition offers a safe and encouraging platform to do so without risk. It allowed me to present my idea, receive valuable feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, and gain the confidence to keep building. I highly recommend it to any student curious about entrepreneurship.

Navkirt SinghContestant, PROJECT: Pitch It! Fall 2024

Competition Schedule

 Monday, September 1st – Applications Open

  • Quick application
  • 60-second video

Friday, September 25th – Applications Close

Tuesday, September 29th – Announcement of Contestants

Thursday, October 1st – Workshop #1

“What is Your “Why”? & “Introduction of the Business Model Canvas Tool” 

Delivered by Sarah Reaume, CEO and Christina Clark, Business Coach & Lending Officer of Community Futures Lambton.

Networking Hour: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Workshop: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Thursday, October 8th – Workshop #2

“Value Proposition Design: Creating Products & Services That Customers Want”

Delivered by Christina Clark, Business Coach & Lending Officer of Community Futures Lambton.

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Monday, October 15th – Workshop #3

“Creating a Winning Marketing Plan”

Delivered by serial Entrepreneur, Brian Maxfield.

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Thursday, October 22nd – Workshop #4

“Tackling the Numbers”

Delivered by Christina Clark, Business Coach & Lending Officer of Community Futures Lambton.

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Thursday, November 5th – Workshop #5

“Delivering an Effective Business Pitch”

Delivered by Anja Christensen of Lambton College, and Sarah Reaume, CEO of Community Futures Lambton

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Friday, November 13th – Submission Deadline

  • Business Model Canvas &;
  • 1-Page Defense

Wednesday, November 18th – Eight (8) Finalists Notified

Thursday, November 26th – LIVE In-Person Pitch Competition

6:30 pm, Lambton College