In 2025, bold Black entrepreneurs in Canada have a golden opportunity to transform their dreams into reality. The Melamoon Pitch Competition, powered by FACE Coalition and Black Ambition, is more than just a contest; it’s a launchpad for innovation, culture, and community-driven ideas. This national initiative is dedicated to giving Black founders the tools, mentorship, and funding they need to scale their businesses on their own terms.
This September in Toronto, 50 visionary founders will be chosen to embark on a transformative journey. Participants will gain access to virtual training workshops, mentorship from industry leaders, and direct exposure to investors, culminating in a live pitch event where $200,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes will be awarded:
- 1st Place: $100,000
- 2nd Place: $50,000
- 3rd Place: $25,000
- Audience Choice Award: $25,000
Applications close on August 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST, with the in-person pitch finals taking place on September 20, 2025.
Why Melamoon is Different
Melamoon isn’t just about funding, it’s about building an ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs can thrive. The competition focuses on collective growth, shared power, and creating pathways for long-term success.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, your business must:
- Be at least 51% Black-owned, operated, and controlled
- Be based and operating in Canada
- Have been in operation for less than 10 years
- Have annual revenues under $1 million
- Have raised less than $1 million in dilutive capital
- Operate in consumer products & services, healthcare, media & entertainment, technology, or AI
- Have no direct ties to large corporations, investment funds, or government agencies
About the Organizers
FACE Coalition – A national, bilingual, Black-led non-profit founded in 2021, FACE connects Black Canadian entrepreneurs with capital, resources, and business development tools. Through its Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, it has disbursed over $50 million to 500+ Black-owned businesses.
Black Ambition – Founded by Pharrell Williams in 2020, Black Ambition supports underrepresented entrepreneurs with funding, coaching, and resources. To date, it has awarded $13 million to 131 innovative founders and mentored over 1,100 entrepreneurs.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online before the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will participate in virtual training and may be selected to pitch live in Toronto for the grand prizes.
Apply now and turn your vision into a movement.
