PITCH TO WIN
OPENING APRIL 1, 2026
About the Pitch
Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. We shine a spotlight on powwow vendors, artists, creators, makers, and business innovators from all industries, whether you're starting out or ready to grow to the next level. This is your chance to share your ideas, gain visibility, and connect with a supportive community that's cheering you on.
Pitch online or in-person for a chance to win cash prizes ranging from $500 to $25,000, with $100,000 in total cash prizes available. Your Pow Wow Pitch journey begins with a 1-Minute Pitch.
Bring your vision. Share your story. Submit your pitch. You never know who you'll inspire or what doors will open.
Just by submitting a pitch, you gain access to amazing opportunities!
WIN MONEY - Win cash prizes from $500 to $25,000 CAD.
GET NOTICED - Gain exposure, followers, press and more customers to grow faster.
SELL STUFF - Become eligible for the Pow Wow Pitch Box Program, where we buy and distribute up to 250 units of your products.
ACCESS MENTORS & LEARNING - Get access to industry-leading mentors and experts, attend business accelerator bootcamps, and access free resources, templates and advisors.
START-UP ONLINE FREE - Get a free .CA domain for your business.
FRIENDSHIPS & COMMUNITY FOR LIFE - Join a community of Indigenous innovators, makers, artists and builders cheering each other on and making a difference in their community.
BECOME AN ALUMNI - Join our Alumni Network and connect with fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs to share your knowledge, inspire the next generation, and grow with a thriving community.
PITCH TO WIN
$100,000 IN PRIZES!
VIRTUAL PITCH PRIZES
$25,000 - Grand Prize
$10,000 - 2nd Place
$5,000 - 3rd Place
$5,000 - Alumni Choice
$1,000 - People's Choice
$1,000 - Industry Semi-Final Prizes
IN-PERSON PITCH PRIZES
$5,000 - 1st Place
$2,500 - 2nd Place
$1,000 - 3rd Place
$500 - Youth Prize
$500 - Fan Favourite
Critieria & Scoring
PRESENTATION
Have you clearly communicated your product/service, value proposition and a pathway to sustainability and success?
EXECUTION
Have you convinced the judges you will follow through on your business goals?
MOTIVATION
Have you clearly communicated how you will use the money to start or take that next step?
COMMUNITY UPLIFT
Have you described how your business creates or intends to create positive outcomes for your community?
Who is eligible to submit a pitch?
Indigenous people living anywhere on Turtle Island (Canada or the United States), aged 10 or older, with an idea or business at any stage and in any industry.
VIRTUAL PITCH TIMELINE
Times are subject to change without notice.
Applications Open
Applications Close
Bootcamp #1
Bootcamp #2
Semi-Finalist Results
Semi-Finalist Confirmation
Semi-Finalist Announcement
Semi-Finalist Orientation
Semi-Finalist Mentorship
July 20-31
Semi-Finalists Pitches
August 4 - 13
Semi-Final Episode Drops
August 31 - September 9
People's Choice Voting Closes
Finalists Announced
Finalist Bootcamp
Finalist Mentorship
September 23-30
Finalists Pitches
Grand Finale
What to include in your 1-minute pitch
Introduce yourself: Share you name and where you're from.
About your business: Tell us the name of your business and what products or services you offer, or plan to offer.
Your vision for $25,000: Explain how you would use the prize to take your idea or business to the next level.
Motivation & Community Uplift: Share what drives you to pursue this idea or business and how it uplifts your community. You can also include who is part of your team, milestones to date, and your vision for the future.
Watch the 2021 Winning Pitch and 2nd Place Pitch for inspiration.
Pitch Competition Guidelines
For full details, please review our complete Pitch Competition Community Guidelines here.
FAQ
Can I participate in both in-person and virtual Pow Wow Pitch events?
Yes. Participating at in-person Pow Wow Pitch events does not disqualify you from the virtual competition and may give you additional chances to earn a Golden Ticket to the Grand Finale.
Can I pitch my idea even if I have not yet started a business?
Yes, you can pitch an idea even if you haven’t started. It would be best if you took extra effort to convince the judges that you have every intention to follow through in your pitch.
What can I use during my pitch?
You may use scripts, notes, flash cards, or other written visual aids to support your pitch. Memorization is not required. Slides, screen sharing, videos, and other audiovisual aids are not permitted.
Can I use props or displays during my pitch?
Yes. Props or products may be used as long as they fit within the 1-minute pitch, remain hand-held or easy to display, and do not interfere with recording technology.
Who is allowed to present the pitch?
The pitch must be delivered by the founder, co-founder, owner, or co-owner of the business. The presenter must be Indigenous.
Can I have someone pitch on my behalf?
No. The pitch must be presented by someone who holds an ownership role in the business and meets eligibility requirements. Accessibility accommodations can be arranged, please contact us for support.
Can I use a slide deck or presentation?
No. We want to see you, not slides. Feel free to use notes or a script, but we're most interested in seeing you and hearing your story.
Can I pitch a business that I have been running for a while?
Absolutely. It would be best if you took extra effort to share how far you have come and how you will use the funds to take your business to the next level in your pitch.
What type of business can I submit?
You can submit an idea, business, nonprofit, social enterprise, sole proprietorship, cooperative or any other form of business activity.
What if I don’t have a website or online presence?
That is no problem. As part of the Pow Wow Pitch, we will provide you with free tools and training to get your business online.
What is the mentorship part of the program?
All semi-finalists will be paired with a mentor for a 1-hour session. During your session, you will present your 1-minute pitch to your mentor, and they will give you feedback to help you prepare for your pitch. Mentors are volunteers who are passionate about supporting you and your business to succeed.
What information should I include in my one-minute pitch?
Here are some ideas on what to include in your pitch.
- Introduce yourself and the name of your business.
- Please tell us where you live and what Indigenous community you are part of.
- Tell us why you started your business and the problem your business looks to solve.
- Tell us how far you have taken your business and your vision for the future.
- Tell us about yourself, your team, and why you are the one to take the business forward.
- Please tell us what you would spend the prize money on.
- Tell us why you should win the Pow Wow Pitch and what impact you win will have on the community.
What if I don’t have a business name?
It’s okay not to have a business name; however, you will need to pick a name (even if it’s temporary) to participate in Pow Wow Pitch.
What can I use the funding for?
The cash prizes are non-repayable. You can spend them in anyway you like to support your business goals.
If I have pitched before, can I pitch again this year?
Absolutely. If you had pitched before and did not win one of the top three prizes, you are welcome to pitch again. However, even if you won a top-three prize, you are welcome to pitch a different idea or business.
What do you mean by Indigenous?
To compete in the Pow Wow Pitch, you must belong to an Indigenous community and identify as First Nation, Inuit, Métis, Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian.