Apply Now for Funding & Mentorship: The 2025 Bright Ideas Pitch is Live
The ACCESS Bright Ideas Pitch is back for 2025.
If you’re a young leader with an idea for social change, whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow your project, this is your chance to pitch, get funding, and receive expert support to bring your vision to life.
Video above: ACCESS founder Daniel Francavilla’s announcement.
Why Bright Ideas Pitch Matters
ACCESS knows know that youth-led initiatives, grassroots organizations, and early-stage social enterprises are often at the forefront of innovative solutions to social, environmental, and economic challenges. Whether they’re addressing mental health, sustainability, education, or social justice — these emerging projects have the power to make a real difference.
The challenge? Funding is still largely directed toward well-established organizations, leaving grassroots and youth-led groups with limited access to the financial resources they need to launch or grow.
Bright Ideas Pitch helps to fill that gap. Since 2009, ACCESS has been investing directly in youth with bold ideas, helping them test and scale their initiatives with the funding, visibility, and mentorship they need to succeed.
What is Bright Ideas Pitch?
Bright Ideas Pitch is more than a funding opportunity. It’s a launchpad for youth-led change.
We invite young leaders and early-stage grassroots groups to apply with innovative projects that create positive social impact in their communities. Selected applicants will have the chance to pitch their ideas live to a panel of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and funders — all while competing for funding and expert mentorship.
Over the years, Bright Ideas Pitch has supported dozens of projects, from art programs and sustainability initiatives to community wellness projects and social justice campaigns. Whether your idea is just taking shape or you’ve already started putting it into action, this event is designed to give you the resources, visibility, and connections to move forward.
Who Should Apply?
Bright Ideas Pitch is open to:
Young changemakers aged 15-30
Individuals, grassroots groups, or early-stage organizations
Initiatives across sectors, including Education, Arts & Culture, Mental Health & Wellness, Sustainability & Environmental Action, Equity & Social Justice, and Community Development.
Whether you’re launching a community project or testing a new program to support underserved populations — if your project focuses on creating positive change, we want to hear from you.
What’s New for 2025?
This year, Bright Ideas Pitch will take place at Youthful Vengeance, a creative storefront and café in Toronto’s Queen & Ossington neighbourhood. Known for its community vibe and support for local creators, Youthful Vengeance is the perfect spot to showcase bold ideas and collaborative energy.
In addition to the pitch competition, there will be a pop-up shop and open networking throughout the day.
Why Bright Ideas Pitch?
We know that turning a bright idea into reality isn’t easy — especially when you’re young, operating on limited resources, or outside the typical funding streams.
Bright Ideas Pitch exists to:
✅ Spotlight innovative youth-led ideas
✅ Provide flexible funding to test or expand projects
✅ Offer mentorship and connections to help your project succeed
✅ Create a supportive community of young changemakers across sectors
What You’ll Gain
Funding to kickstart or scale your project
Mentorship from experienced leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers
Exposure and recognition within Toronto’s social innovation community
A chance to pitch your project in front of a live audience and judges
Networking opportunities with other youth leaders and funders
Key Dates & How to Apply
📅 Applications are now open
🚀 Submit your application at accessinnovation.ca/fund
Deadline to apply: April 1, 2025
The selected finalists will pitch live on April 26, with funding and mentorship awarded to the most promising ideas. RSVP to Attend
A Call to Young Changemakers
If you’re a young leader with a bold idea to make your community better, Bright Ideas Pitch could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
If not, please share this with someone who could benefit.
