A Virtual Cup for Quebec's Young Entrepreneurs

For more than 29 years, the Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce du Québec (RJCCQ) has supported and championed Quebec’s young businesses through a range of projects, chief among them La Coupe.

La Coupe is a pitch competition for innovative, high-potential startups. Every year, the RJCCQ scours all four corners of Quebec in search of these young businesses. The goal? To give them the support and guidance they need to clear the hurdles of entrepreneurship and to help them accelerate their growth.

At the end of the competition, a single company is crowned as the one showing the greatest growth potential and walks away with a $20,000 grant.

For the second year in a row, the pitch competition couldn’t be held in person because of the current public health situation.

Tied to the RJCCQ’s ongoing visual identity overhaul, this 5th edition was the perfect chance to rethink the event and inject some novelty and fun.

The mission

1. Propose a new competition format

2. Create striking visuals

3. Use a broadcasting platform that’s easy to run

1. A shorter format

For this new edition, we set out to bring rhythm, pace and fun to the table. The theme practically picked itself: the pitch competition would take the shape of a boxing match, with each contestant facing off in the “ring” against the clock.

So we decided to cut certain elements of the competition and trim the speaking time. Participants would now have 1 minute to answer the host’s questions and just 30 seconds to answer the judges’. Talk about a summarizing challenge for these young entrepreneurs!

The judges got a challenge of their own: to choose, in a matter of seconds and without conferring, the company that would move on to the next round!

2. Fresh new visuals

On the visual side, we drew on La Coupe’s new identity to design dynamic, eye-catching panels and videos.

Our graphic designer also created cards introducing the participants in the style of sports trading cards, entrepreneurship edition. Let’s be honest, knowing which participant has the best right hook won’t help us grasp their value proposition.

Finally, because a boxing match would be nothing without the sound of a bell, we decided to add that sound effect whenever the timer stopped, a clear signal to the contestants that their speaking time was up.

3. Pre-recording the recurring elements

For logistical and aesthetic reasons, we chose to record the recurring elements in person. As a bonus, it was the perfect occasion to put the gear in our brand-new studio to work, something we’re incredibly proud of!

4. An easy-to-use platform

We regularly turn to the StreamYard platform, which has plenty going for it:

• It’s easy to use: just switch on your camera and mic, and you’re good to go.
• It lets you record a message without going live.
• It broadcasts live events on the social network or platform of your choice.
• It’s customizable: you can add colours, logos, videos and lower-thirds.

Got a virtual event to organize? We have a solution for you. Write to us.