A tech-enabled grant matching platform founded by two women entrepreneurs has won the 2022 Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Program. Taking home the $25,000 grand prize are Pocketed’s Brianna Blaney and Aria Hahn.

The two founders were honoured at the Forum Pitch Finale event, which took place last night (April 28) at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. “From the comfort of your home or from inside the ballroom, you are here with us, joining us in our work of supporting women to be wildly successful,” shared Paulina Cameron, CEO at The Forum, and Val Litwin, board chair, in a pre-written note to attendees.

Hosted by broadcaster Sonia Mangat, the event featured pitches from three finalists (out of 313 business applications) in front of an 800-person live audience who then voted to choose the winning business. Pocketed won over Invicare, a biotech startup from Montreal, and Jems, a progressive and cheeky condom company based in Toronto.

While there was only one official winner, you could argue that everyone felt triumphant. Last two years, the event was held online due to the pandemic. This year, organizers celebrated the chance to bring the event back in person, while also toasting The Forum’s 20-year anniversary.

The Forum (previously Forum for Women Entrepreneurs) was originally founded by Christina Anthony as a community to connect women business owners.

Since 2002, it's supported over 10,000 entrepreneurs through educational programs and mentorships. Past winners of The Forum Pitch include Tara Bosch of SmartSweets and Nicole Smith of Flytographer.

“We congratulate this year’s finalists – all of whom are game-changers in their respective industries,” said Cameron. “As more women in Canada turn towards building businesses, The Forum is continuing to grow and expand programming that supports and connects women entrepreneurs, like this year's finalists.”