2025 MENTOR SUPPORT
Thank you for being a Mentor for the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Competition! This webpage is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to have a successful mentorship experience supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs participating in the Pow Wow Pitch Competition.
ABOUT THE PITCH
Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to shine the spotlight on pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level.
Our pitch competition is offered virtually and in-person at powwows. Entrepreneurs have the chance to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges and potentially win cash prizes of up to $25,000. With more than $100,000 in cash prizes available, we're dedicated to supporting the growth and success of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Join us in celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation, and meet our 2025 Finalists.
THE ROLE OF MENTORS
Mentoring is about being a trusted guide - listening, providing support, and advice in a way that truly helps. It's about showing up in a way that makes sense to them and always keeping their best interests at heart.
As a Mentor, you’ll meet virtually with one of our Finalists for a 1-hour session, scheduled at a time that works for both of you between September 24 and October 1, 2025. You’ll get to know them and their business, hear their pitch, review the pitch feedback provided by Karla Biones, and share your insights and guidance to help them refine their ideas and boost their confidence ahead of the Grand Finale.
Each entrepreneur will have a 2-minute pitch and a 2-minute Q&A with the judges on October 2, 2025. Your role is to encourage, advise, and support them so they feel ready to shine.
HOW THE ENTREPRENEURS WILL BE EVALUATED
PRESENTATION
Has the entrepreneur communicated their product/service, value proposition and a pathway to sustainability and success?
EXECUTION
Has the entrepreneur convinced the judges that they will follow through on their business goals?
MOTIVATION
Has the entrepreneur clearly communicated how they will use the money to start or take that next step?
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Has the entrepreneur demonstrated they have impacted or have plans to impact their community as part of their business model and mandate?
TIMELINE
MENTOR REGISTRATION OPEN
MENTOR & ENTREPRENEUR CONNECT
MENTORSHIP
1-1 virtual mentorship
GRAND FINALE
Watch Party
MENTOR FEEDBACK
MENTOR SUPPORT
As a mentor, if you have any questions or concerns, or have difficulty connecting with your entrepreneur, please reach out to Keisha Perrin, Programs Coordinator, as soon as possible at keisha@powwowpitch.org. Please include MENTOR SUPPORT in your subject line to ensure your email receives priority.
SHARE THE NEWS
We are grateful for your involvement in Pow Wow Pitch and we want to celebrate it with you.
Let's share the news on social media and inspire others to join us in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship across Turtle Island. Feel free to use the post below for inspiration and download our graphics and frame to showcase your involvement and spread the word.
Excited to mentor a Pow Wow Pitch Finalist heading to the Grand Finale! Honoured to support one incredible Indigenous entrepreneur as they sharpen their pitch and grow their business. Wishing all of the Finalists the best as they take bold steps towards their goals! ❤️
PREPARE TO MENTOR INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS
We invite you to watch this webinar with a former Pow Wow Pitch Mentor and Mentee to learn about effective mentorship, particularly for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
THIS VIDEO COVERS:
- What is mentorship?
- What is business mentorship?
- What is unique about mentorship for Indigenous entrepreneurs?
- How does the Pow Wow Pitch mentorship process work?
- What does a first-time meeting with a mentor look like?
TIPS FOR A GREAT MENTORSHIP SESSION
Approach each mentorship differently. Some entrepreneurs will dive right in and lead the way, and others will be hoping you will lead.
Begin by introducing yourself and providing a warm and encouraging atmosphere for an open and constructive conversation.
Take the first 5 minutes or so to get to know your entrepreneur and, together, set objectives for the call based on any concerns they might have right off the bat.
Take a genuine interest in your mentee as a person. Don't assume anything about your mentee. Ask.
Invite them to pretend they are pitching and pitch their business.
With great empathy and care, please provide them with gentle feedback, beginning with their strengths, followed by constructive notes to consider.
Share with them a few 'golden nugget' tips from your area of expertise that perhaps goes beyond their pitch to help them to think about their business in a new way. You have so much to offer; share a bit of yourself.
Ensure that the sessions are dialogues and prompt conversation with questions.
Celebrate their achievements.
FAQ
What are the industry categories?
The Pow Wow Pitch industry categories are specially defined by Indigenous entrepreneurship. Categories are subject to change each year to best fit the entrepreneurs. See the full descriptions here.
What information should the entrepreneurs include in their one-minute pitch?
Here are some ideas on what to include their 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 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.
How can I encourage my mentee?
Building trust with your entrepreneur can create a safe space of encouragement. Be their cheerleader and get to know who they are outside of their business can help you relate to one another.
What if I am having trouble connecting with my mentee?
Please contact Pow Wow Pitch at hello@powwowpitch.org and we can help connect you with your mentee.
Can I meet with my mentee for longer than our recommended time?
Yes, you may meet with your mentee for longer than 1-hour. Please feel free to do what you and your mentee feels best to support one another.
What kinds of questions will the judges be asking?
The judges can ask what ever they want, however some may pick from a selection we have provided them with. Here are some questions that may help your mentee feel prepared:
- What steps have you taken to date with your business?
- What motivated you to start your business?
- Do you have global ambitions for your business? If so, how will you reach your customers
- What makes your product/service unique? How will you stand out above the crowd?
- What has been your traction to date? What are some of your biggest achievements?
- What are your projections for next year?
- What is your profit margin for each product you sell?
- If you win the Pow Wow Pitch, how will you use the funds to boost your business?
- How do you build Indigenous values and community into your business?
- How have you impacted your community or how do you plan to impact your community through your business?
- What is your background?
- Tell us about your team or support network around you.