2026 Finalist Support

Webcam (clean the lens to ensure no fingerprints).

USB microphone with earbuds or a USB headset with an attached microphone.

Wired Internet connection (do not use WiFi as wireless is not reliable). A participant's recording will reside online into the foreseeable future. Participants need to ensure the brands they represent will be presented in the highest quality possible.  A dedicated wired connection to the internet ensures you will not have poor video or audio quality or dropouts.

IMPORTANT: It is imperative participants use a reliable internet connection as re-recording, editing or re-scheduling at a later date will not be possible.

Quiet, indoor location free from clutter, people, pets or copyrighted materials, i.e. art in the background.

Well-lit space. Turn on all lights and open window blinds. Position yourself in front of light sources, avoid major key light sources coming from behind.

All finalists will be paired with 1 mentor for a 1-hour session between September 23-30. Mentor match emails will be emailed September 17, 2026. Please note it's the entrepreneur's responsibility to book their session with their mentor, if you're experiencing difficulty connecting with your assigned mentor or you have any concerncs please email us at: hello@powwowpitch.org. Be sure to include 'finalist mentor support' in the subject line so we can priortize your email.

During your session(s), you will present your (2) two-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. 

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 ($25,000) prize money on.
  
• Tell us why you should win the Pow Wow Pitch and what impact your win will have on the community.
  
• Click here to view criteria and scoring to ensure you hit key points in your pitch.

No, Pow Wow Pitch is all about hearing directly from you - the entrepreneur. Your passion, vision, and voice are what bring your business to life. We want to get to know you and your story, so all pitches must be delivered by the applicant themselves.

However, if you have accessibility requirements that may impact your ability to pitch, please contact our team at hello@powwowpitch.org - we're here to support you. 

Absolutely! You can show us your products or services, have products or banners set up in your background, wear or display your logo using your webcam and or in the Zoom background tool, and more. However, please note that you cannot share your screen or use a presentation slide deck to show your products or services.

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.

Prizes up for grab through the virtual competition in CAD:

• Grand Prize of $25,000
• 2nd Place Prize of $10,000
• 3rd Place Prize of $5,000
• Alumni Choice Prize of $5,000
• Semi-Finals Prizes of $1,000 per industry, including a People's Choice prize

No. For Pow Wow Pitch, we are more interested in getting to know you as an entrepreneur through verbal communication. You can follow a script, but we want to get to know the real you, what drives your business, and how winning can help propel your success.

The cash prizes are non-repayable. You can spend them in anyway you like to support your business goals.

To compete in the Pow Wow Pitch, you must self identify as one of the following, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Native American. We do not require proof of Indigeneity upfront in the application processs but in certain cases, we may request documentation to confirm eligibility.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support, Pow Wow Pitch participants can reach out to our team at hello@powwowpitch.org. You can also explore a range of wellness resources for additional support.

• What concrete steps have you taken so far to move your business from idea to action? Or how do you plan to bring your business idea to action?
• What key milestones have you achieved to date?
• What does success look like for the next 12 months?
• What helps you stay focused and committed to following through on your business goals?

• Can you clearly outline how you would use the $25,000 to take the next step in your business?
• What specific activities or milestones would this funding support in the short term or long term?
• How will this funding help move your business forward in a meaningful way?
• What progress have you made so far, and how will this funding support your next steps?
• What are your immediate and longer-term goals, and how does this funding help you move toward them?

• Can you describe the specific positive changes your business has created, or aims to create, for you, your family or your community?
• How are Indigenous values, knowledge, or cultural practices meaningfully integrated into your business model and decision-making?
• In what ways do you actively engage, support, or collaborate with your community and/or communities through your business?
• What legacy do you hope to leave?
• Who supports you in your business, do you have a team, mentors, family, or community members helping you?
• What changes have you seen in your family or community because of your business?