Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce its partnership with Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) for a fourth year, as the local presenting partner of the Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch, taking place in St. Mary’s First Nation, New Brunswick on June 19 & 20, 2026.
This collaboration will support Indigenous entrepreneurs from across New Brunswick as they gather to pitch their businesses during the Sitansisk Powwow. Participants will have the opportunity to present their business ideas, connect with mentors, and compete for $9,500 in cash prizes.
JEDI will contribute to the experience through mentorship, judging, and support for entrepreneurs throughout the event. As an Indigenous organization focused on advancing economic participation in New Brunswick, JEDI continues to play a key role in supporting Indigenous business development across the province.
“At JEDI, we are committed to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs as they build and grow their businesses,” said Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI. “Opportunities like Pow Wow Pitch create space for entrepreneurs to share their ideas, connect with others, and take meaningful steps forward. When entrepreneurs are supported in this way, it creates lasting ripple effects throughout their families and communities.”
“We’re grateful to continue working alongside JEDI,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This fourth year of partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick, ensuring opportunities are not just available, but accessible, meaningful, and rooted in community.”
Indigenous entrepreneurs participating in Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch will also gain access to Pow Wow Pitch programming, including mentorship, resources, and opportunities to grow their businesses beyond the event.
Visit powwowpitch.org/sitansisk to learn more and pre-register to pitch.
About Pow Wow Pitch
Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops and accelerates the growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted as a reflection of respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch.
For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.
About JEDI
The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is an Indigenous organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous participation in New Brunswick’s economy. JEDI began in 1995 as a tripartite partnership between Indigenous communities in New Brunswick, the Government of Canada, and the Government of New Brunswick. In 2009, JEDI was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization and over the years JEDI has grown into an Indigenous organization focused on working closely with its partners from Indigenous communities, organizations, government, and the private sector to foster Indigenous economic development in New Brunswick.
For more information, visit jedinb.ca.