Calling all Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick, register to win cash prizes for your business!
Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, co-presented by Mastercard and RBC, proudly announces its partnership with Elsipogtog Powwow, taking place in Mi’kmaq territory, Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick on August 30, 2025.
The 39th Annual Elsipogtog Powwow is taking place August 29-31, 2025 along the beautiful Richibucto River. The traditional powwow is a local highlight of Mi’kmaq culture and celebration.
Elsipogtog First Nation is hosting Pow Wow Pitch for the first time ever to celebrate and shine a spotlight on Indigenous vendors, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, creators, and innovators. New Brunswick-based Indigenous entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch to win $10,000 in cash prizes to take their ideas and businesses to the next level.
The Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch is co-presented locally with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and Women In Business New Brunswick (WBNB), their partnership enables $10,000 in cash prizes and on-site mentoring, judging, and ongoing support for participants.
How It Works
To enter, New Brunswick-based Indigenous entrepreneurs can pre-register for limited spots here: powwowpitch.org/elsipogtog, with a few spots reserved on the lottery for those who just turn up and want to showcase their business. To pitch, entrepreneurs will have 1-minute to present their ideas or businesses for a chance to win!
The top 10 pitchers will be paired with mentors to refine their final pitch before presenting to the judges and will also advance to the 2026 Turtle Island Semi-Finals. Prizes at Elsipogtog include $5,000 for 1st place, $2,500 for 2nd place, $1,000 for 3rd place, $500 for the Youth prize, and $500 for the Fan Favourite. The 1st place winner will also receive a Golden Ticket to the 2025 Turtle Island Grand Finale for a chance to win the $25,000 Grand Prize.
“We’re proud to team up with Pow Wow Pitch to bring this opportunity to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Mi’kmaq territory,” said Ann Purcell of the Elsipogtog Powwow Committee. “This partnership celebrates the innovation and determination of our people, creating space to share our stories, grow our businesses, and uplift our communities across New Brunswick and beyond.”
“We’re honoured to return to New Brunswick and to be welcomed for the first time by Elsipogtog First Nation,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Our team is excited to celebrate the incredible entrepreneurial spirit in Mi’kmaq territory and to grow alongside communities like Elsipogtog. We’re grateful to the powwow committee and our local partners, JEDI and WBNB, for championing Indigenous innovation and vision.”
Join us at the Elsipogtog Powwow and pitch your business to win cash prizes of up to $5,000! This is your opportunity to showcase your talent, share your story, and inspire our community. Register now and be a part of the celebration!
All Indigenous entrepreneurs that pitch will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community and gain access to a free Indigenous Startup Program, have the opportunity to have their products and services be considered to be featured in the annual Pow Wow Pitch Box, and will receive a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA.
Visit powwowpitch.org/elsipogtog to learn more and pre-register to pitch.
*This opportunity is exclusive for residents of New Brunswick.