Ten classes from six Thames Valley District School Board high schools are competing head-to-head in The Pitch Point, a unique entrepreneurship competition for grade 10 and 11 students to pitch their innovative business ideas to a panel of industry professionals.

Finalists are set to pitch their ideas in the final event at Fanshawe College’s Innovation Village on June 3, 2025.

The expert judging panel includes leaders from local, national and international organizations across a variety of industries, including tech, nonprofit, marketing, apparel, food and beverage, and more. Student teams will be evaluated on their presentation skills, professionalism, innovation and ability to meet the needs of their target market.

This year’s finalists were challenged to create a business plan and pitch a product or service that addresses real problems and market gaps. Finalists will be pitching a wide range of business ideas, from icebreaking shovels and pre-sport snack bars to Indigenous artistry and helpful apps.

“The Pitch Point is an excellent opportunity for students to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and build upon their business planning, communication and problem solving skills,” said Bill Tucker, Interim Director of Education at Thames Valley District School Board. “Pitching to industry professionals gives students valuable, real-world experience that will be a tremendous asset as they begin to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.”

"Fanshawe College is thrilled to host The Pitch Point. Events like this ignite creativity, build confidence, and empower the next generation of innovators,” Liz Gray, Faculty in Village Creative at Fanshawe College, said of the event. “As a college deeply committed to hands-on, experiential learning, we know the value of real-world opportunities like this. We are proud to provide a platform where young entrepreneurs can shine, grow, and be celebrated."

For more information on the competition, visit https://www.thepitchpoint.ca/