The BIG Pitch 2026

Friday, March 13th, 2026 | 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM *Please note that some times may be subject to change on the day of the event.
Kelson Hall Centre for Arts & Education

You could WIN $10,000.00 for your NEW Business

Introduction

Join us once again in championing the growth and innovation of emerging businesses across the Thompson Country region. After an incredible inaugural year, The BIG Pitch is back—bigger and built to better support early-stage entrepreneurs at a pivotal moment in their journey.

In our first year, The BIG Pitch brought together participants, sponsors, entrepreneur support organizations through our Business Support Tradeshow, and community members, creating an energizing and supportive environment for new ideas to take shape. 

For year two, we’re making the experience even more impactful for early-stage entrepreneurs! The grand prize has increased; we’re introducing a Headshot Zone, courtesy of our sponsor, Tourism Kamloops, which offers complimentary headshots to entrepreneurs attending the event. We’re adding new ways to support contestants, including pre-pitch public speaking preparation. This preparation is made possible thanks to Acacia Pangilinan on behalf of the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce.

Contestants will have the opportunity to win the $10,000 grand prize, thanks to Grand Prize Co-Sponsor, Venture Kamloops, which will help propel their business forward. Plus, our People’s Choice winner will receive dedicated mentorship hours to support their next steps — sponsored by Avid ActionCOACH.

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About the Event

The BIG Pitch is a pitch competition and community event designed to spotlight and support early-stage entrepreneurs across the Thompson Country region.

Participants will begin with a closed-door pitch, delivering a concise elevator pitch outlining their business concept to a panel of seasoned business professionals. Time is built in for Q&A, allowing judges to ask clarifying questions and better understand each idea. From this first round, five finalists will be selected to advance. Finalists will then move on to the live pitch event, presenting their business to a live audience and judges, followed by additional Q&A. Judges will select the final winner, while audience members will vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Simultaneously, a Business Support Services Tradeshow will take place in an adjacent room. This space connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with a curated mix of local and regional business support organizations, offering access to resources, guidance, and connections throughout the event.

Confirmed 2026 Tradeshow Vendors (additional vendors to be added):

• Venture Kamloops | Economic development organization for the City of Kamloops, offering comprehensive information plus a full spectrum of support services to investors and entrepreneurs. All services provided are complimentary, confidential, and come with no obligation.
• Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce | Proud to support over 700 members throughout the Thompson Valley region. The Kamloops & District Chamber provides members with opportunities to grow their businesses and become community leaders through benefits & professional development programming.
• Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations | Promoting regional economic growth through business development services and training by supporting Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs, and remaining linked to the overall economic, social, political, and development of Indigenous people.
• Avid ActionCOACH | One-on-one and group business coaching.
• Tire Tracks and Felion Incentives | Promotional products & business gift items that you can put your Company name and/or logo on to promote YOUR business or event.
• Community Futures Development Corporation of Thompson Country | Providing entrepreneurs, business owners, and job seekers access to complimentary business resources, professional business counselling, start-up loan assistance, job placement, training, and more.
• Castanet Kamloops | A leading local news and community platform serving the Kamloops and Thompson-Nicola region. Alongside trusted, hyper-local coverage, Castanet supports local businesses through digital advertising and marketing solutions that help brands connect with engaged audiences.

Also, Hey Neighbour Coffee Roasters will be on site, keeping the energy buzzing!

The BIG Pitch is open to entrepreneurs and small business owners based in Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Westwold, Vavenby, Pritchard, McLure, Little Fort, Clearwater, Chase, Blue River, Barriere, and Avola.

More than a competition, The BIG Pitch is a celebration of local entrepreneurship—bringing together founders, mentors, support organizations, and the community to champion bold ideas and business growth.

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Event Host and Judges

*Additional judges to be announced soon.

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Sponsor Recognition

The BIG Pitch wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our event sponsors. Their commitment to local entrepreneurship and economic development helps create meaningful opportunities for early-stage founders across our region. We are proud to partner with organizations that believe in building strong, resilient communities through small businesses.

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2026 Pitch Criteria

To be eligible for The BIG Pitch competition, businesses must meet the following application criteria:

• Have less than $100,000 in revenue since the launch of the business.
• Have been in operation for less than 24 months.
• You can be in the ideation phase of your business (generating an idea for a possible business).
• Have business/operations based in Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Westwold, Vavenby, Pritchard, McLure, Little Fort, Clearwater, Chase, Blue River, Barriere, or Avola.
• Show intent and/or ability to expand your operations and/or pursue a physical business location.

*Registration deadline is Monday, March 9th, 2026.

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FAQ

• Submissions may be entered as individuals or teams. (One person from the team can present on behalf of the business during the closed-door pitch, and a maximum of two team members can present during the live pitch).
• A company may only submit one pitch to be considered for adjudication.
• Individuals or teams who have previously won are ineligible to participate in the 2026 BIG Pitch competition.
• Physical products cannot be brought to the event. We’re confident you can effectively speak to and describe your product or service during your pitch.
• While feedback is not provided on the day of the event, participants interested in further developing their business are welcome to book a meeting with Community Futures Thompson Country for additional support.
• Please note that the email address you enter on the registration form will be the primary email we use for all event-related communications. Be sure to provide an email address you check regularly.

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