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

Brought to you by:

logo for Lambton College

COMING FALL OF 2025

multicultural college students talking

Available for 2025:

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

Got 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 seven (7) 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.

📅 Applications open September 8 and close September 19.

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 8th.
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.
4

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 5th)
5

Pitch It Live

7 finalists will be selected to pitch their idea at a live event on November 13 — 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
“

Participating in Project: Pitch It! has been an incredibly valuable and enjoyable experience. It helped build my confidence and deepened my eagerness to establish and grow my business here in Sarnia. The opportunity to present my ideas, receive constructive feedback, and connect with like-minded individuals has been truly inspiring. Thank you for creating such a supportive platform for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Jenneyve Encabo, Chick it up SkewersContestant, PROJECT: Pitch It! Fall 2024

Competition Schedule

 Monday, September 8th – Applications Open

  • Quick application
  • 60-second video

Friday, September 19th – Applications Close

Thursday, September 26th – Announcement of Contestants

Thursday, October 2nd – Workshop #1

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

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

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Coaching: 7:00pm – 7:30pm

Thursday, October 9th – Workshop #2

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

Delivered by Christina Clark, Business Development Officer of Community Futures Lambton.

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Coaching: 7:00pm – 7:30pm

Monday, October 16th – Workshop #3

“Creating a Winning Marketing Plan”

Delivered by serial Entrepreneur, Brian Maxfield.

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Coaching: 7:00pm – 7:30pm

Thursday, October 23rd – Workshop #4

“Tackling the Numbers”

Delivered by Christina Clark, Business Development Officer of Community Futures Lambton.

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Coaching: 7:00pm – 7:30pm

Thursday, October 30th – Workshop #5

“Delivering an Effective Business Pitch”

Delivered by Dr. Martin Smith, Tech Alliance, London.

Workshop: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Coaching: 7:00pm – 7:30pm

Wednesday, November 5th – Submission Deadline

  • Business Model Canvas &;
  • 1-Page Defense

Friday, November 7th – Seven (7) Finalists Notified

Thursday, November 13th – LIVE In-Person Pitch Competition

6:30 pm, Lambton College