April 1, 2026 | Pow Wow Pitch, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, proudly announces the launch of its eleventh annual competition, inviting Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island to participate. Co-presented by Mastercard and RBC, the competition boasts over $100,000 in cash prizes.
Indigenous vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs from both Canada and the United States are encouraged to pitch their businesses and ideas, virtually or in-person at various powwows, for an opportunity to join the Pow Wow Pitch training and mentorship program, and to vie for cash prizes.
“As we enter the eleventh year of Pow Wow Pitch, our pitch program continues to be a vibrant space where Indigenous entrepreneurs can share their ideas, gain momentum, and turn vision into action,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch. “The pitch competition celebrates the creativity, determination, and leadership of Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, and the thriving businesses and communities they continue to build.”
Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, added: “Every year, Indigenous entrepreneurs show up with business ideas rooted in who they are and the communities they come from, and a clear vision for where they’re headed. We’re honoured to welcome another year of bold thinkers and doers. At Pow Wow Pitch, we’re proud to create a platform that builds confidence, strengthens community support, and sets entrepreneurs up for long-term success. Community over competition, always. Together, we are paving a path for generations to come.”
Here’s how it works:
Virtual Pitch: Entrepreneurs can submit a one-minute video pitch virtually between April 1 and June 1 at powwowpitch.org/pitch. Pow Wow Pitch will select the top 100+ Indigenous entrepreneurs as semi-finalists, providing them with mentorship and pitch training. Semi-finalists will then compete in virtual semi-finals for the opportunity to receive a $1,000 semi-finals cash award and a spot in the Grand Finale.
In-Person: This year’s Pow Wow Pitch Trail features three in-person Pow Wow Pitch events at powwows across Canada. At each stop, entrepreneurs can share their business or idea live, connect with mentors in a supportive and celebratory environment, and compete for cash prizes. The first place winner at each event will earn a golden ticket to the Grand Finale. Watch for updates and upcoming live pitch events on our website at powwowpitch.org/pitch.
Grand Finale: On October 21, 2026, the top entrepreneurs from both virtual semi-finals and the first place winners from in-person events will pitch to a panel of judges at the Grand Finale for a chance to win the following top prizes: an Alumni Choice Prize of $5,000, 3rd Place Prize of $5,000, 2nd Place Prize of $10,000, and 1st Place Prize of $25,000.
All participating entrepreneurs will join a thriving community of Indigenous entrepreneurs, get a free pass to all 2026 Pow Wow Pitch learning opportunities, gain access to free training and support, and receive a free .CA domain from CIRA.
Last year’s Grand Prize winner, Kendal Garlow, co-founder of SproutSync Ltd., shares inspiring advice for emerging entrepreneurs: “When the going gets tough, the tough gets you going. As an Indigenous entrepreneur who still feels like I’m at the start of my journey, when things get hard, or you run into obstacles, keep going. There is a space for you, and if Indigenizing the business world is something you want to do, you can absolutely do it.”
Pow Wow Pitch gratefully acknowledges all of its partners for their unwavering support. Co-presenting partners, Mastercard and RBC have provided significant multi-year backing that empower Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, fostering innovation, mentorship, and opportunity. Their commitment ensures that Indigenous entrepreneurs can turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.
Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada, added, “Marking five years of partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, we’re honoured to continue supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and contributing to resilient economic growth within Indigenous communities. This collaboration reflects Mastercard’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, digital economy that enables Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive.”
Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins, commented on the launch of this year’s Pow Wow Pitch programming: “At RBC, we value the role Indigenous entrepreneurs play in strengthening communities through business. We are proud to support Pow Wow Pitch as we aim to advance economic reconciliation and contribute to the prosperity of Indigenous entrepreneurs across different sectors.”
Pow Wow Pitch invites all Indigenous entrepreneurs to take part in this year’s competition and join a growing community of innovators, creators, and business leaders across Turtle Island. Whether pitching virtually or on the Pow Wow Pitch Trail, participants will gain mentorship, build confidence, and showcase their ideas to a national audience, all while celebrating their culture and the communities that inspire them. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your vision to life, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and compete for over $100,000 in cash prizes.
Visit powwowpitch.org/pitch to learn more and submit your pitch.
–
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.
About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
For more information, visit www.mastercard.ca
For media inquiries, please contract:
Helena Wade, Manager, Communications, Mastercard| helena.wade@mastercard.com
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 101,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.