Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Export Development Canada (EDC) for the fifth consecutive year. As a long-standing supporter of Indigenous entrepreneurship, EDC returns as a Friend Partner for the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch program.
As Pow Wow Pitch enters its 11th season, this continued collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses, access mentorship, and explore pathways into international markets.
Through EDC’s support, Pow Wow Pitch will continue to expand its virtual programming, deliver in-person experiences in communities across Turtle Island, and provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with tools and resources to help grow their businesses with confidence.
EDC team members will once again participate as judges for the Pow Wow Pitch Indigenous Business Pitch Competition and support entrepreneurs through mentorship and knowledge-sharing opportunities throughout the season. EDC will also continue presenting the Export Award as part of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, recognizing an Indigenous entrepreneur demonstrating strong potential for growth beyond local markets.
Anthony Wingham, Co Founder of Nuez Acres® and a semi finalist in the 2021 Pow Wow Pitch competition, credits the experience with helping shape the company’s growth and export journey: “Pow Wow Pitch gave us more than a platform to share Nuez Acres®. It helped connect us to a community of Indigenous entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners who understood both the opportunity and the challenges of building a business. Through that journey, connections with organizations like EDC helped us think bigger about export, growth, and what was possible beyond our local market. It is exciting to see this partnership continue so more Indigenous entrepreneurs can access mentorship, relationships, and support as they grow their businesses.”
Donna St. Louis, National Lead, Indigenous Business, Inclusive Trade at EDC, shared the importance of continuing the partnership: “Indigenous entrepreneurs are building innovative businesses that are creating new opportunities within their communities and beyond. Through our ongoing collaboration with Pow Wow Pitch, we’re proud to help entrepreneurs access the knowledge, connections, and support they need as they explore growth in international markets.”
Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, emphasized the value of the collaboration: “We’re grateful to continue working alongside EDC to support Indigenous entrepreneurs as they explore new opportunities for growth and expansion. This partnership helps provide entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, business knowledge, and encouragement as they build businesses rooted in their values, communities, and long-term goals.”
Grounded in a shared respect for Indigenous cultures, traditions, and entrepreneurship, Pow Wow Pitch and EDC are working together to support Indigenous business owners through accessible programming, relationship-building, and practical business supports. Together, the partnership helps create more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses and pursue new opportunities across Canada and internationally.
About Pow Wow Pitch
Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of Mastercard and RBC. 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. With a mission to provide resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.
For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.
Media Contact
Destiny Maluga
Communications Coordinator, Pow Wow Pitch
hello@powwowpitch.org
About Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians.
For more information and to learn how we can assist your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca.
Media Contact
Media
Export Development Canada
1-888-222-4065
media@edc.ca