Canva has announced a pitching competition aimed at supporting small businesses in the UK and Ireland, offering £4,000 in grant funding to five winners. The initiative also provides resources for all participants, making it an inclusive opportunity for entrepreneurs.
This competition invites individuals over 18 who either run, co-run, or represent a small business, freelance venture, or creative project with 50 or fewer employees. The top five entrants will receive significant benefits, including a £4,000 grant, one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders, exposure across Canva’s marketing channels, and free access to Canva Pro.
Additionally, the top 100 submissions will be recognized as Canva’s Top 100 Small Businesses, invited to a networking event, and given opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs. All entrants will enjoy three months of complimentary Canva Pro, a pre-made pitch template, exclusive startup sessions, and practical tools to help articulate their business narrative.
To participate, entrants should provide details about themselves and their business aspirations, then create a Canva pitch deck, presentation, or video. Judges will assess submissions based on originality, creativity, clarity of communication, and growth potential. The competition is open for entries until 11:59 p.m. on July 12, 2026, with judging taking place from July 13 to July 19, and winners announced between July 20 and July 26.
Lorna Bladen, Canva’s Small Business Community Manager, stated, "Community has always been at the heart of everything we do. We recognize the challenges of turning ideas into viable businesses, and our aim is to facilitate connections and provide support for emerging entrepreneurs."
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