BC Business
See who they are and meet the 8 other semi-finalists of the 2025 Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program
The Forum is a national charity that, for 22 years, has been helping women in business through its educational programs, mentorship opportunities and community connections. Its annual pitch program, in partnership with investment firm Odlum Brown and Wheaton Precious Metals, gives women entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their business ideas and compete for funding. Past winners and finalists include founders of local businesses like Blume, Pocketed, Nature Bee and Revol Cares.
“In times of economic uncertainty, it is crucial to find ways to fund, lift-up and raise awareness of the innovators in our country,” Forum CEO Kirsten Koppang Telford said in a release.
This year, the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program received 255 applications. Only 10 applicants were chosen to participate in the upcoming semi-final in Toronto, with two of them being Vancouver-based Benny and KidStar Nutrients. These entrepreneurs, whose ventures span industries from health tech to agriculture, are now working closely with mentors to refine their pitches.
Let’s take a look at their businesses.
A yerba mate-based drink company co-founded by Julie Letizia and 2021 Women of the Year winner Paige Cey.
A nutritional supplement brand created by 2024 Women of the Year winner Caitlyn Vanderhaege and her brother Kyle Head.
A dairy management company with a cloud-based platform that helps farmers streamline their operations.
An Waterloo-based company that’s developing ways to use menstrual blood to detect reproductive health issues early on.
A health-tech company with an assistive device for people with hand disabilities.
A med-tech startup that’s working to alleviate menstrual pain.
An drug delivery company that addresses the painful nature of fertility treatments with gels and patches that can eliminate the need for painful injections.
A cleantech startup that’s developing leather alternatives using mushrooms.
A Calgary-based fashion brand designing comfortable workwear (with showrooms in Calgary and Vancouver).
An Indigenous-owned brand that crafts soaps, shampoos and oil blends using natural ingredients.
“Like so many success stories before them, at the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Semi-Final events, our nation-wide network of entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals will have the unique opportunity to get involved early on and be integral to the growth of these 10 semi finalists,” added Telford.