Canadian fintech startups will once again have a shot at non-dilutive capital and national exposure as Startupfest brings back its $80,000 Fintech Grant for 2026.
Funded by Digital Commerce Group and Apaylo, the grant is designed to support early-stage fintech companies with both capital and access—offering founders a platform to connect with investors, mentors, and industry leaders while scaling their businesses.
The program targets Canadian-incorporated startups at the seed stage with a minimum viable product, early traction, and a clear path to revenue—criteria that reflect the growing maturity of the country’s fintech ecosystem.
Applicants will compete for a spot at Startupfest in Montreal this July, where finalists will pitch live in front of investors and judges as part of the event’s Startupfest Village.
The opportunity builds on momentum from previous years. At Startupfest 2025, Montréal-based Ready Plan Go took home the $75,000 Fintech Grant, alongside an additional prize, highlighting the program’s ability to spotlight emerging leaders in Canadian fintech.
Ready Plan Go is developing an AI-powered accounting platform aimed at automating financial workflows for small businesses—an example of the type of innovation the grant is designed to accelerate.
As early-stage funding remains competitive, initiatives like Startupfest’s Fintech Grant continue to play an important role in helping Canadian startups bridge the gap between initial traction and scalable growth.
In addition to a non-dilutive cash prize of $80,000, the Fintech Grant winner will also receive the Osler Startup Package from our partners at Osler, a prize valued at $5,000.
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