Black Excellence Pitch Night

Innovation Factory and Empowerment Squared invite you to the Black Excellence Pitch Night on February 11, 2026. In honour of Black History Month, we are coming together at TechPlace in Burlington to celebrate the leadership and vision of Black entrepreneurs from across the Hamilton and Halton regions.

This evening provides a dedicated platform for a dynamic mix of tech-driven and main street businesses to share their ideas with industry experts and the broader community. The Black Excellence Pitch Night is more than a competition; it is an opportunity to connect with the founders who are driving growth and innovation in our local ecosystem. Collaboration is the catalyst for success, and this event showcases the diverse ventures that are succeeding right here in our own backyard.

What you’ll learn:

• Watch live 5-minute pitches from innovative Black founders and see how they communicate their vision to a panel of experts.
• Listen to the constructive feedback provided by our industry panelists to understand what investors and partners look for in a growing business.
• Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and local leaders during our dedicated networking sessions.
• Get a first-hand look at the new ideas and products being developed within the Hamilton and Halton innovation community.
• Enjoy refreshments and conversation in a supportive environment dedicated to uplifting underrepresented founders.

For founders, visibility and connection are essential components of scaling a business. The Black Excellence Pitch Night offers a unique space to gain exposure, receive validation from experts, and meet potential collaborators who can help move a venture forward. Whether you are pitching or attending, being part of this event helps you navigate the challenges of the startup journey by surrounding yourself with a community that understands your goals and supports your growth.

Who should attend:

• Early-stage and scaling Black entrepreneurs looking to share their vision and connect with the ecosystem.
• Investors and partners interested in discovering the next generation of regional innovation.
• Innovation enthusiasts who want to support and celebrate the success of diverse founders in Hamilton and Halton.

Accessibility and Accommodation Requests

Innovation Factory is committed to providing inclusive and accessible event spaces where all entrepreneurs feel supported and empowered to participate.

This session will be held in person at TechPlace. We strive to create an environment that accommodates the diverse needs of our innovation community. If you require specific accommodations to fully engage with this workshop—such as American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, materials in alternative formats, or specific seating arrangements—please contact our team at [email protected].

For more information on our commitment to an inclusive ecosystem, you can also review our full Accessibility Statement on the Innovation Factory website.

Agenda

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM | Networking and Refreshments
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Opening Remarks
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Pitches (with a brief break at 6:45 PM)
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Networking and Wrap Up

About Innovation Factory

Innovation Factory, established in 2010, is a not-for-profit business accelerator driving technology innovation in the greater Hamilton and Halton area. We offer business services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to support entrepreneurs in achieving market success. Our ecosystem includes exclusive resources for smart transportation and life sciences innovation.

Your entry to this event implies consent to be photographed, with photos potentially used for promotional purposes.