This year, Invest Ottawa will support Pow Wow Pitch as a local co-presenting sponsor of the Summer Solstice Pow Wow Pitch  and by engaging its employees as mentors and judges. 

“We are committed to becoming a better ally, supporting sustainable change, and empowering diverse entrepreneurs from every walk of life who drive our economic growth,” said Sonya Shorey, Interim President and CEO, Invest Ottawa. “We know the path to Truth and Reconciliation includes acknowledging the injustice and harm done to Indigenous people, past and present, and addressing the inequities and systemic barriers that persist. We are honoured to collaborate with Sunshine and Pow Wow Pitch to support community-led action, and help fuel the growth and success of Indigenous entrepreneurs today and tomorrow.”

“I am so proud Invest Ottawa is supporting Pow Wow Pitch to reach and support more Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Having the hometown support of our community helps us stand taller as entrepreneurs so we can grow confidently knowing our community is rallying for the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs.”  

By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, Invest Ottawa aims to contribute to the allyship of the Indigenous entrepreneurship and support local entrepreneurs with their expertise. This partnership exemplifies how corporate entities can support Indigenous entrepreneurship and work towards economic reconciliation in Canada.

About Pow Wow Pitch 

Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops and accelerates the growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted as a reflection of respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch.

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.

About Invest Ottawa

Invest Ottawa helps accelerate your growth and success, leverage the best programs, people and places, and make your mark in Ottawa, a global tech hub and collaborative business community. We are a multifaceted organization ready to help you in venture development, global expansion, talent programs and services, research and development, and innovation collaboration.

For more information, visit investottawa.ca.

The post Invest Ottawa partners with Pow Wow Pitch to provide local support to Indigenous entrepreneurs at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Festival appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Building on the success of the previous years, EDC remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2024. EDC’s investment ensures that Pow Wow Pitch can amplify its virtual programs, expand in-person support in communities across Canada, and grow its offerings to support Indigenous entrepreneurs to pursue global markets.

Reflecting on the historical importance of trade in Indigenous prosperity, Todd Evans, National Lead for Indigenous Exporters at EDC, voiced his optimism: “Exporting can empower today’s Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. Our alliance with Pow Wow Pitch aids EDC’s mission to make trade more inclusive by offering access to our trade expertise, financing solutions, equity, insurance, and connections.”

Through the continued partnership, a range of initiatives will empower Indigenous entrepreneurs seeking to expand into global markets including an Export Series on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, a TuesdayTips series on Instagram and Facebook, and EDC will provide Export 101 training at the Pow Wow Pitch Bootcamp. Furthermore, EDC and Pow Wow Pitch will partner on an analysis of the export activity of Indigenous entrepreneurs to inform further support and resources in the future. 

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with EDC to support early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs to understand the opportunities of global markets for their businesses. By providing training, encouragement, and support to Indigenous businesses, we are reclaiming trade our own way across Turtle Island and beyond.”

EDC’s active engagement will extend to judging Pow Wow Pitch events online and participating in person at powwows across Canada. Moreover, EDC employees will play an integral role as mentors, providing guidance and support to Indigenous entrepreneurs on their Pow Wow Pitch journey.

Guided by respect for Indigenous history, traditions, and culture, EDC remains dedicated to supporting Indigenous businesses and removing barriers to growth. Through its partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, EDC aims to reinforce economic self-reliance and community prosperity among Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada and beyond.

For additional information on the collaboration between Pow Wow Pitch and EDC, please visit Pow Wow Pitch’s website.

About Pow Wow Pitch:

Pow Wow Pitch is a groundbreaking entrepreneurship program for rising Indigenous entrepreneurs. It fosters a safe, supportive, cooperative, empowering, and culturally conducive environment that comprehends and addresses the unique challenges Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring ones face. Pow Wow Pitch enables sustainable growth for current and prospective Indigenous entrepreneurs through comprehensive programs and resources. It also encourages community leadership via volunteerism, reflecting respect and reciprocity at the core of Pow Wow Pitch. For more information, visit Pow Wow Pitch’s website.

About EDC:

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation committed to helping Canadian companies of all sizes flourish on the global stage. As international risk experts, EDC empowers Canadian companies with the tools they need – trade knowledge, financing solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to confidently expand their business. We remain committed to sustainable and responsible business. Our work with Indigenous businesses helps them bring their products and services to global markets, reinforcing economic self-reliance and community prosperity. For more information and to learn how we can assist your company, visit us at EDC’s website.

The post Export Development Canada Continues Partnership with Pow Wow Pitch to Empower Indigenous Entrepreneurs in 2024 appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, training and support, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced its new collaboration with the NB Indigenous Tourism Summit taking place in Fredericton, New Brunswick on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Delta Fredericton Hotel, 225 Woodstock Rd, Fredericton, NB E3B 2H8. 

The NB Indigenous Tourism Summit is a conference co-hosted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick (ITANB) and the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI). The Summit features a two-day conference with headline speakers, including a keynote from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada CEO, Keith Henry, presentations from New Brunswick tourism leaders, and informative workshops and tourism experiences. 

How It Works 

Indigenous entrepreneurs and vendors at the NB Indigenous Tourism Summit, are invited to visit the Pow Wow Pitch table between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Indigenous entrepreneurs can pitch their business or business idea in 1-minute for their chance to win cash prizes on-site and to get a chance to advance in the Pow Wow Pitch North American Indigenous Pitch Competition.

Pitch entries will be recorded and reviewed by a panel of judges followed by a Winner’s Announcement at 4:00 p.m. on stage. Prizes include a 1st Place Prize of $1,000, a 2nd Place Prize of $800, and a 3rd Place Prize of $600. The 1st place winner will also advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals for their chance to win $25,000. 

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with the NB Indigenous Tourism Summit and our partners at the Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick and the Joint Economic Development Initiative,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Tourism holds immense significance for Indigenous communities, serving as a conduit for cultural preservation and economic empowerment. New Brunswick boasts a rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and creativity, making it a treasure trove for visitors seeking authentic Indigenous experiences. We are eagerly anticipating our presence at the New Brunswick Indigenous Tourism Summit and cannot wait to engage with all Indigenous entrepreneurs. It’s an opportunity for us to extend a warm welcome to them into the Pow Wow Pitch community and forge meaningful connections that foster growth and success.”

“Pow Wow Pitch provides essential resources and opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to excel in our tourism sector,” said Karen Narvey, Executive Director of Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick. “Indigenous entrepreneurs are pivotal in showcasing our cultural heritage and enriching our tourism offerings. We look forward to partnering with Pow Wow Pitch to further support Indigenous entrepreneurs and enhance our impact together on New Brunswick’s tourism industry.”

“Our collaboration with Pow Wow Pitch at the Natoaganeg Powwow in 2023 showcased the impact that supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship can have on our communities and cultural preservation,” said Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI.  “JEDI recognizes the immense potential of Indigenous businesses to enrich our tourism landscape and drive economic growth while honoring our heritage. We are thrilled to welcome Pow Wow Pitch back and extend our support to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with prizes and recognition that celebrates their achievements, further empowering them to succeed and contribute to our vibrant tourism industry.”

All Indigenous entrepreneurs that pitch will also be automatically entered into the Turtle Island (North American) Pow Wow Pitch competition and will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community. All pitchers will get access to a free Indigenous Startup Program, have the opportunity to have their products and services be considered to be featured in the annual Pow Wow Pitch Box and on Pow Wow Market for socially-conscious customers looking to ‘Buy Indigenous,’ and will receive a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA, and a 60-day free Shopify Trial.

To learn more about the NB Indigenous Tourism Summit, please visit: https://jedinb.ca/jedi-plenary. 

The post NB Indigenous Tourism Summit Welcomes Pow Wow Pitch To Annual Summit appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Aujourd’hui, Pow Wow Pitch, une initiative communautaire lancée par et pour les entrepreneurs autochtones, a annoncé l’ouverture de la période de mise en candidature pour les tout premiers prix de l’entrepreneur autochtone qui visent à célébrer l’excellence et les réalisations exceptionnelles des entrepreneurs autochtones.

Les entrepreneurs autochtones et les entreprises appartenant à des autochtones des quatre coins de l’Île de la Tortue peuvent présenter leur candidature ou celle de quelqu’un d’autre pour souligner sa persévérance, sa croissance, ses retombées et son rôle de véritable modèle de la culture autochtone pour notre génération.

« Ces prix permettront de reconnaître les entrepreneurs autochtones qui stimulent la croissance de l’économie autochtone, favorisent la guérison de notre peuple et de nos communautés par l’entrepreneuriat, célèbrent notre diversité culturelle et laissent une empreinte positive pour les prochaines générations par leur rôle de leaders », affirme Sunshine Tenasco, fondatrice de Pow Wow Pitch. « Ils permettront également de rendre hommage à la sagesse, à l’amour, au respect, à la bravoure, à l’honnêteté et à l’humilité des véritables modèles en entrepreneuriat de notre génération, de les remercier et de leur offrir une plateforme pour raconter leurs histoires de résilience et de réconciliation par l’entrepreneuriat. »

Les prix de l’entrepreneur autochtones sont présentés en partenariat avec RBC, Shopify et Facebook.

Les candidats et les personnes qui les présentent doivent être des résidents de l’Île de la Tortue et être Inuits, Métis ou membres des Premières Nations. Il peut s’agir d’entrepreneurs qui exploitent n’importe quel type d’entreprise dans n’importe quelle industrie, pour autant qu’elle soit en activité depuis au moins trois ans.

La période de mise en candidature se termine le 31 juillet 2021. Les gagnants seront annoncés et célébrés pendant la diffusion virtuelle de la remise des prix le 4 novembre 2021.

En plus du titre, les gagnants recevront une épinglette perlée à la main unique ainsi qu’une plaque encadrée avec un tirage limité d’une affiche « Joy », une magnifique œuvre d’art réalisée et signée par l’artiste autochtone primée Christi Belcourt.

Pour en savoir plus, visitez le powwowpitch.org/awards/.

The post Appel aux candidatures pour les prix de l’entrepreneur autochtone appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.