About - Pow Wow Pitch

Our Founder

Kwey, my name is Sunshine Tenasco, I’m from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, and I’m the Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch.

I started Pow Wow Pitch because I believe entrepreneurship is the path to self-sufficiency having lived this first-hand after a Dragons’ Den win. Entrepreneurship has always been a big part of Indigenous heritage. We know it as trade— a practice that has always been a part of our way of life.

Appearing on Dragons' Den was a turning point in my life. Having Dragons Brett Wilson and Arlene Dickinson invest and believe in me gave me the confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Through Pow Wow Pitch, I hope to pass that gift forward, empowering others to chase their ambitions and build thriving businesses. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing entrepreneurs succeed.

Vision & Mission

We envision 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.

Our mission is to provide resources and mentorship to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.

Ackowledging Our Pow Wow Roots

Powwows are a place to gather, dance, sing, honour our culture, and trade. They are vibrant celebrations that bring our Nations together, where stories are shared, knowledge is passed down, and relationships are strengthened through the spirit of reciprocity.

Pow Wow Pitch is a grassroots movement that started at the Ottawa Summer Solstice powwow in 2015 as a platform to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. It provides opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to share ideas, gain mentorship, and access resources to grow their businesses. Rooted in the spirit of community and social impact, it has grown from being hosted at one powwow into a thriving network that empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs to succeed together.

Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. Purpose-built to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs so they can thrive in the world, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. Through resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to build businesses while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and fostering a more inclusive world.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors is comprised of a group of accomplished Indigenous entrepreneurs and alumni of Pow Wow Pitch, as well as legal and financial experts, who are dedicated to ensuring good governance and financial stewardship of the organization.

Sunshine Tenasco

Chair

Karen Green

Director

Jessica Zhang-Chapman

Director

Matt Nahdee

Director

Michaelee Lazore

Director

ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Pow Wow Pitch Advisory Council comprises industry and government leaders who support Indigenous entrepreneurship and help guide the organization's ongoing growth and impact.