The highly anticipated 11th annual business plan competition, The Pitch, returns on Wednesday January 21st, 2026, at the St. Anne’s Centre. Last year for the 10th anniversary, the winner of The Pitch received over $50,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, with an audience of more than 200 attendees.

Since 2015, The Elgin Business Resource Centre has been providing The Pitch, an annual Dragons’ Den-Style business plan competition for businesses or aspiring entrepreneurs in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Five finalists will ‘pitch’ their business idea to a panel of judges at the live finale for a chance to win a grand prize package of cash and in-kind prizes to support their business venture.

“Participating in ‘The Pitch’ event has greatly amplified our local exposure, allowing us to connect with the community while also networking with other fantastic businesses (and finalists). This experience has not only showcased our brand but has also fostered invaluable relationships that will help us grow and meet our goals for the future of Evelyn’s Sausage Kitchen.” -Heather Harris, Evelyn’s Sausage Kitchen, Winner of The Pitch 2025

The above testimonial from Heather reminds us of the value of The Pitch and the economic impact it brings to St. Thomas and Elgin County. This exposure goes beyond the winner of The Pitch. This includes the finalists, vendors, and sponsors. Without the generosity of the sponsors, we would not be able to recreate this event year after year.

For the past decade, we have exceeded each year with our sponsorship dollars of cash and in-kind prizes. When an organization commits to being a sponsor for The Pitch, they are committing to a community driven event that highlights the passion, drive, and perseverance of entrepreneurs that St. Thomas and Elgin County is known for.

When a business commits to being a sponsor for The Pitch, they are met with 5 different sponsorships opportunities. Within these sponsorship tiers the sponsors may be exposed to:

• Prominent recognition on all advertising
• Special mention with logo on our website
• Social media video recognition
• Print ad mention
• Radio ad mention
• Social media recognition
• Newsletter recognition
• In-event recognition

Participate, celebrate, elevate, when you become a sponsor of The Pitch, you have an opportunity to have a manned or unmanned booth at the event. This gives the sponsors the opportunity to network and showcase their business.

This Dragons’ Den-style business plan competition gives small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas live on stage for a chance at an amazing prize package of cash and in-kind support, proudly provided by our sponsors.

We are actively seeking out new sponsors from local businesses within St. Thomas and Elgin County.

If you would like to know more about the sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Felicia Brice [email protected] 519-633-7597 ext. 324.

To learn more about The Pitch visit: https://www.elgincfdc.ca/event/the-pitch