Startups across Northeastern Ontario are getting a major boost thanks to the launch of Venture North Bay Pitch — a collaborative program designed to prepare founders for investor engagement and business growth
A new initiative is taking root in Northern Ontario aimed at helping local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into investment-ready businesses.
Venture North Bay Pitch brings together mentorship, funding opportunities, and a live showcase to support innovation across the region. new collaborative initiative is launching in Northern Ontario to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment readiness across the broader region.
Venture North Bay Pitch is a partnership between Northern Ontario Angels (NOA) and Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION), designed to help founders build investment-ready companies and connect with accredited investors.
Venture North Bay Pitch is a distinct, region-specific initiative and is separate from Venture North PITCH, the annual pitch event hosted in Sudbury.
While hosted in North Bay, Venture North Bay Pitch is open to companies located, registered, and operating within the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka, reflecting the program’s goal of strengthening entrepreneurship and investment across the wider region.
The initiative will culminate in a live pitch event on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre. Venture North Bay Pitch is structured as a guided program — not a single-night event — supporting founders from application through pitch preparation, mentorship, and investor engagement.
“Through our work at Northern Ontario Angels, we’ve seen how mentorship and access to capital can make a real difference for founders,” said Ian Lane, Executive Director of Northern Ontario Angels. “Venture North Bay Pitch brings those elements together, helping companies from across the region build momentum and take meaningful steps toward growth.”
From Application to Pitch
The program begins with a Pre-Launch Information Session on February 24, hosted at Gateway City Brewery in North Bay. The session will introduce founders, investors, and ecosystem partners to the program structure, application process, and expectations, and will include networking and a fireside chat.
Applications will open on May 4 and closes on June 1, with four companies selected as finalists. The program is open to companies located, registered, and operating within the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka.
Selected founders will receive coaching and investor readiness support throughout Summer and Fall 2026, delivered collaboratively by Northern Ontario Angels, Innovation Initiatives Ontario North, and Karen Jones-Gibbons of Karen Jones Consulting, who will serve as a mentor for participating companies.
“Strong pitches come from founders who are clear on their story and confident in their direction,” said Karen Jones-Gibbons, Founder of Karen Jones Consulting. “This program gives entrepreneurs the space and support to refine how they communicate their vision and opportunity.”
Building Investment Readiness in Northern Ontario
Venture North Bay Pitch brings together founders, accredited investors, and ecosystem partners to showcase emerging companies across diverse sectors and strengthen the regional investment pipeline.
“We see incredible companies being built in North Bay and across the district,” said Matt Doherty, Executive Director of Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION). “This program helps ensure those founders have the preparation, visibility, and support they need to confidently present their businesses and attract investment.”
The live Venture North Bay Pitch event on November 5 will feature:
- A curated pitch competition, with Cash Prizes for Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice Awards
- Ecosystem engagement and networking opportunities
- Door prizes and recognition for participating companies
Judging Panel
The November 5 live pitch event will be evaluated by a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders, bringing diverse perspectives on growth, execution, and market potential. Judges include:
- Lora Webb, CEO of Metric Aid
- Mark Sherry, serial entrepreneur and Founder of Gofer.Run
- Mark Wilson, serial entrepreneur and Founder of The Money Project
Together, the judging panel brings hands-on experience in building, scaling, and supporting successful ventures, offering valuable insight for participating founders.
Tickets for the November pitch event are $30, with appetizers provided and a cash bar available.
Event Information
Pre-Launch Information Session
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Gateway City Brewery, North Bay
Tickets: $15 Registration via Eventbrite (includes Appetizers / Cash Bar)
Venture North Bay Pitch – Live Pitch Event
Thursday, November 5
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre, 700 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay
Tickets: $30 Registration via Eventbrite (includes Appetizers / Cash Bar)
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. To learn more visit: www.
Innovation Initiatives Ontario North is a Regional Innovation Centre that assists innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established companies in developing and scale. IION works collaboratively with a variety of strategic partners throughout the province to promote client growth and help position them for future success. To learn more visit: www.iion.ca
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