THE SBBN PITCH COMPETITION –Â 2026
Where innovation thrives, community flourishes,
and new possibilities emerge.
Meet our 2026 top 10 Finalists
Congratulations to the outstanding entrepreneurs selected as finalists. These businesses have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and a commitment to growth within Saskatchewan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Wilfred Sampson
Wise Concept 360
Theresa Almanie
Theresa’s Naturals
Olawumi Oyetuga
Graceful Nesters Family Network Inc.
Debbie Y. Tayo Odeshilo
The Dimpled Baker
Jethro Odeyemi
Gida Inc.
Ope Okunola
Gspecialtyfoods
Halima Hussein
Lovy Adventures Tour and Travel Company
Daniel Nwabuko
Daeko Photography/Daeko Media
Adeola Meseko
Demex Cakes
Ginette Apeus Koume
DJENDE
The SBBN Entrepreneur Pitch Competition is back, and applications is now officially open!
2026 marks a new chapter for Black innovation in Saskatoon. This year’s SBBN Entrepreneur Pitch Competition isn’t just a return, it’s an evolution.
Across the city, Black Entrepreneurs are building, scaling and rewriting what’s possible. The 2026 competition is designed to spotlight that momentum: the bold thinkers, the quiet builders, the disruptors and the emerging leaders shaping the next wave of business excellence.
If you’re ready to sharpen your vision, amplify your voice and compete for funding, mentorship, and visibility, this is your stage!
- Problem & Opportunity (15%):Â Is the problem clearly defined, real, and worth solving?
- Solution & Value Proposition (20%): How effectively does your solution address the problem—and what makes it unique?
- Market Validation & Traction (15%):Â Do you have proof of demand, users, or early traction?
- Business Model & Viability (15%):Â Can your business generate revenue and scale sustainably?
- Team & Execution Capability (10%):Â Do you have the skills and capacity to execute?
- Innovation & Differentiation (10%):Â What sets your idea apart from others?
- Social & Community Impact (10%):Â How does your business contribute to Black entrepreneurship and community impact?
- Pitch Delivery & Clarity (5%):Â Can you clearly and confidently communicate your idea?
- Compete for $5,000 (Grand Prize) and $2,000 (Runner-Up)
- Receive hands-on mentorship from experienced professionals
- Refine your business model and pitch through guided sessions
- Gain exposure, credibility, and community support
- Connect with other entrepreneurs and industry leaders
- Black entrepreneurs at any stage (idea, early-stage, or growing)
- Founders looking for funding, structure, and mentorship
- Businesses ready to refine their pitch and scale their impact
VIDEO FROM 2025
Stronger Black Businesses, Stronger Communities
Saskatoon Black Business Network (SBBN) is a community-driven platform dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives across Saskatoon and Saskatchewan by providing access to mentorship, business resources, skills development, funding awareness, and strategic networking opportunities that help Black-owned businesses start, scale, and sustain long-term growth while strengthening economic prosperity within the community.
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Meet our 2026 Judges
Nowshad (Shad) Ali
CPBA, CFRE, CEO – Purpose Leadership Inc.
Nowshad (Shad) Ali, CPBA, CFRE, is the President and CEO of On Purpose Leadership Inc., a company whose mission is to help people, communities and organizations in the effective pursuit and attainment of purpose without compromise of core values.
One of Shad’s core beliefs is that true growth and development comes from an intense understanding of self and commitment to support and develop the capacity of others to realize their dreams and their potential.
Shad has extensive experience working with both corporate and non-profit organizations in the areas of training, development, strategic planning, and analytics. In both professional and volunteer capacities, he has served many of Canada’s top charities, not-for-profits and corporations.Â
Shad stays current through maintaining active membership in several associations involving human resources, sales, training and development, fundraising and association management
Stephane O’Reilly
Director of Entrepreneurship – SREDA
Stephane O’Reilly is the Director of Entrepreneurship at SREDA, where he leads the team behind SK Startup Institute, a program dedicated to helping entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan turn ideas into businesses. Through advising, education, and strong partnerships across the province, Stephane and his team support founders at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
Stephane works closely with entrepreneurs to help them validate ideas, navigate the startup process, and build sustainable businesses. His work focuses on strengthening Saskatchewan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensuring aspiring founders have access to the resources, guidance, and connections they need to succeed.
Stephane holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan and is passionate about helping people build businesses that create opportunity in their communities.
Olusegun Ahmed
Senior Account Manager, Business Development Lead, Financing – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Solution-driven relationship and project manager with over 20 years’ experience in creating strategic alliances with organizational and business leaders to effectively align with and support key business initiatives. Passionate, result oriented with a focus of maximizing customer value and ensuring business goals are achieved.
Olu Ahmed is a seasoned business development strategist, Finance specialist and project manager with over 20 years of experience in Banking, Telecoms and financial technology industries.
Currently serving as Senior Account manager, business lead, Financing at The Business Development Bank of Canada, BDC, he specializes in Business advisory, business Finance, project development and stakeholder management.
Olu holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and has been instrumental in driving significant growth for his clients through innovative strategies and creative solutions. You can connect with Olu on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/olusegun-ahmed-91184a13/
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Jason Aebig
CEO – Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
Jason Aebig is a business leader and communications professional who serves as CEO of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. Since 2020, he has represented and advocated for Saskatoon’s business community, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and business leadership. Prior to joining the Chamber, he was a partner at Creative Fire and a senior communications advisor at Nutrien. He is also recognized for his extensive community service and leadership on numerous boards across Saskatchewan.
Véronique Loewen
Owner – Verolingo Communications
Véronique Loewen is a senior communications professional with more than 30 years of experience shaping strategic narratives in complex, highly regulated environments. She is the owner of Verolingo Communications and previously oversaw communications, public relations, and philanthropy at Orano Canada.
Véronique holds a master’s in applied languages and an MBA, the ICD.D corporate director designation, and multiple professional certifications in communication and English-French translation.
She currently serves on the boards of Saskatoon Co-op and Prairieland Park. A founder of Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan, and the Honorary Consul of France in Saskatoon, she is widely respected for her leadership, community service, and commitment to strong governance and inclusive communication.
Saskatchewan Black Business Network (SBBN) Entrepreneur Final Pitch Competition
Opening Program (10:00 AM – 10:35 AM)
| Time | Activity | Lead |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00–10:05 | Land Acknowledgement | MC |
| 10:05–10:10 | Housekeeping & Opening Remarks | MC |
| 10:10–10:20 | Welcome Address | Board Chair |
| 10:20–10:30 | Spoken Word Presentation | David Ohene-Amoako |
| 10:30–10:35 | Overview of Final Pitch Competition & Order of Events | Pitch Lead |
Pitch Competition
| Time | Activity | Lead |
|---|---|---|
| 10:35–11:25 | Part One • 5 contestants • 10 minutes each (5 min pitch + 5 min Q&A) | |
| 11:25–11:35 | Networking & Coffee Break | |
| 11:35–12:25 | Part Two • 5 contestants • 10 minutes each (5 min pitch + 5 min Q&A) | |
| 12:25–12:55 | Lunch & Networking | |
| 12:55–1:05 | Recognition and Introduction of Sponsors | Executive Director |
| 1:05–1:10 | Sponsor Greetings | Director General, PrairiesCan – Jennifer Stelzer |
Judges Deliberation & SBBN Presentations
| Time | Activity | Lead |
|---|---|---|
| 1:10–1:30 | Judges' Deliberation | Judges |
| 1:10–1:30 | SBBN Flagship Events: Programs and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Businesses | SBBN Strategic Team |
Awards Ceremony
| Time | Activity | Lead |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30–1:40 | Announcement of Results and Recognition of Finalists | MC & Executive Director |
| 1:40–1:50 | Presentation of Winner Certificates and Giant Cheques | Councillor Senos Timon & SBBN |
| 1:50–2:00 | Winner Remarks | Winner |
| 2:00–2:10 | Closing Remarks | Executive Director |
| 2:10–2:45 | Photos, Media Interviews & Informal Networking | All Participants |
Stronger Black Businesses, Stronger Communities
Saskatoon Black Business Network (SBBN) empowers Black entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan through mentorship, resources, skills development, funding awareness, and strategic networking to support business growth and long-term success.