Applications are open for the Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses 2025. Melamoon is more than a pitch competition- it's a capital-powered launchpad for Black founders. Backed by FACE Coalition and Black Ambition, this national initiative is designed to spotlight, support, and scale bold ideas rooted in culture and community.
About Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses
Opportunity Details
This September in Toronto, 50 founders will be selected to join a transformational journey that includes virtual workshops, direct exposure to investors and mentors, and the opportunity to pitch for non-dilutive cash prizes- no equity taken. Melamoon is about more than funding. It's about shared power, collective growth, and building an ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs can lead on their own terms.
Benefits of Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses
- The first place winner will receive $100,000;
- The second place winner will receive $50,000, and
- The third place will receive $25,000, and an additional $25,000 for the audience choice award.
Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses Requirements
- Business at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by person(s) who identify as Black/African/African Canadian.
- Founder and business residing/operating in Canada.
- Business operating for less than ten (10) years.
- No direct or indirect operating relationship with an existing large scale corporation, investment fund, or government agency.
- Founders and their immediate family members cannot be employed or contracted by Black Ambition or FACE.
- Annual business revenues less than $1,000,000.
- Have not yet raised more than $1,000,000 in dilutive capital.
- Businesses must be innovating in consumer products & services, healthcare, media & entertainment, technology, and/or Al.
Application Date and Process
Applications are due August 15, 2025 at 6:00pm EST. Founders from across Canada have the opportunity to apply for a chance to be one of 6 founders to pitch on Demo Day. A panel of expert judges will review applications and select up to 50 founders to move on to phase 2 and 3.
Application Deadline
15 August, 2025
Scholarship Application Portal
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Melamoon Pitch Competition for Black Businesses
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