Request for Proposals

Deadline to apply is February 15th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Pow Wow Pitch is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. Our vision is to create a world where Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. 

We empower Indigenous entrepreneurs by amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world, while providing mentorship, resources, and funding. 

Each year, Pow Wow Pitch brings an Indigenous Business Pitch Competition to Indigenous gatherings across Turtle Island (Canada and the US), partnering with committees and symposium, event, or conference organizers to bring entrepreneurship into the gathering circle, where culture, community, and innovation come together.

At each Pow Wow Pitch event, we seek to partner with local partners to deliver $10,000 in cash prizes that celebrate and elevate Indigenous entrepreneurs. These prizes support participants as they share their business ideas, compete in live pitches, and inspire their communities.

We’re now inviting powwow committees, as well as symposium, event, and conference organizers, to submit proposals to host a Pow Wow Pitch event as part of your gathering.

By hosting Pow Wow Pitch, your event will:

• Uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs through Pow Wow Pitch’s national platform.
• Strengthen local economic development and inspire future generations.
• Celebrate community success stories that connect business and culture.

Pre-Event

• Assign a liaison to collaborate with the Pow Wow Pitch team on logistics, scheduling, and marketing.
• Participate in meetings with Pow Wow Pitch as needed to successfully co-plan the Pow Wow Pitch event.
• Include Pow Wow Pitch information in your event schedule and on social media.
• Provide quotes on behalf of your gathering for inclusion in the Pow Wow Pitch Announcement and Winners Announcement to be featured on our website and social media platforms.

Day of Event

Registration Area - 3 tables, 2 chairs. If outdoors, provide a canopy for shade and shelter

Round 1 Pitches (1 hour) - 2 tables, 5 chairs. Audio/Visual, 1 microphone with stand and 1 handheld microphone.

Round 1 Judge Deliberations - Semi-private space with 2 tables and 5 chairs.

Top 10 Announcement (20 mins) - Audio/Visual, 1 microphone with stand or handheld.

Round 2 Pitches (1 hour) - 2 tables, 5 chairs. Audio/Visual, 1 microphone with stand and 2 handheld microphones.

Round 2 Judge Deliberations - Semi-private space with 2 tables and 5 chairs.

Winners Announcement (20 mins) - Audio/Visual, 1 microphone with stand or handheld.

Post Event

• Participate in a post-event debrief with the Pow Wow Pitch Team.
• Provide event data and feedback as requested.

The following schedules are sample formats based on a powwow program. We welcome organizers to propose alternate schedules that best align with your gathering, as outlined in the Hosting Requirements - Day of Event notes above.

Option 1: One-Day Pow Wow Pitch

• Round 1: Before Grand Entry
• Round 2: During Supper Break
• Winners Announcement: 15 minutes before evening Grand Entry

Option 2: Two-Day Pow Wow Pitch

• Times are flexible depending on the event schedule
• Round 1, Day 1: Afternoon before Grand Entry
• Round 2, Day 2: Morning before Grand Entry

How to Submit Your Proposal