Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation business based in Sagamok, Ontario wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 3, 2026, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts Turtle Island’s premier Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC and Mastercard, Tasha Toulouse, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation Founder and Owner of Gizaagi’in Home Services, a business based in Sagamok Anishinawbek First Nation, Ontario, as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Professional Services & Trades Semi-Final Winner. Tasha has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
More than 120 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island were selected as Semi-Finalists in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch. Each received training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges, competing for the chance to advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. Seven Professional Services & Trades Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their businesses in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.
Judges included Kai Lee, Associate Portfolio Manager at RBC; Urvashi Kalson, Manager, Product Integration at Mastercard; and Grace Enns, UX Designer at CIRA.
“I am honestly shocked, but so incredibly grateful. Gizaagi’in Home Services started as a small idea I had, and I’m so proud of where it is today,” said Tasha Toulouse, Founder and Owner of Gizaagi’in Home Services. “I’m excited to continue growing Gizaagi’in, creating employment opportunities within our communities, and finding more ways to support our Elders, families, kinship families and those who could use an extra helping hand.”
Tasha Toulouse, Founder and Owner of Gizaagi’in Home Services, is an entrepreneur from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation who is building a growing home services business in her community. Through Gizaagi’in Home Services, Tasha provides dependable household services while balancing entrepreneurship with her full-time professional career.
In her pitch, Tasha shared that winning the $25,000 Grand Prize would help her take Gizaagi’in Home Services to its next stage of growth. She plans to invest in upgraded equipment, branding, marketing, and scheduling software to strengthen the business and support its expansion. She would also explore opportunities to hire and mentor people within the communities she serves.
“Trust what you’re building and be willing to learn along the way. You don’t need to know everything to start. There will be people who doubt you, but don’t let their opinions determine what you are capable of. Keep believing in your vision and keep going,” shared said Tasha Toulouse.
The judges congratulated Tasha for her strong presentation and the dedication she has shown in building Gizaagi’in Home Services alongside her full-time career. They were impressed by her clear understanding of the needs of her customers, her commitment to providing reliable services in her community, and her vision for continuing to grow the business beyond her community.
“Congratulations to Tasha Toulouse on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Gizaagi’in Home Services, Tasha is building a business that responds to everyday needs in her community while creating a strong foundation for future growth. Her dedication to her customers and determination to grow her business are exciting to see, and we look forward to seeing where she takes Gizaagi’in Home Services next.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Professional Services & Trades industry category. Madison Miller, Founder and Head Esthetician of Elevated Aesthetics, was recognized for the vision and professionalism she has brought to building her business in Ohsweken, Ontario. The judges appreciated her confidence as an entrepreneur, the care she brings to her work, and her plans for continuing to develop and grow her business.
“We’re committed to playing a role in paving a path forward for Indigenous entrepreneurs, exemplified by our support of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Brittanee Laverdure, Director, Truth and Reconciliation Office, RBC Origins. “Pow Wow Pitch offers a holistic support system to power the next generation of Indigenous innovators across Turtle Island, including this year’s participants and semi-finalists.”
“The creativity, determination, and ambition demonstrated by this year’s Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have been truly inspiring,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada. “We’re proud to work alongside partners like Pow Wow Pitch by mentoring pitchers, representing Mastercard’s commitment to help remove barriers and open pathways to growth and economic opportunity. Congratulations to all the pitchers for sharing their business ideas, entrepreneurial journeys, and stories, and a special congratulations to Tasha Toulouse for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Tasha’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Professional Services & Trades Semi-Final episode, click here.
Tasha will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 21, 2026. Register to watch the 2026 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.