Métis Nation of Alberta business based in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta 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, announced Dana Swart, Métis Nation of Alberta Owner of Trailhead Bread, a business based in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Food & Drink Semi-Final Winner. Dana 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 Food & Drink 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 Katelyn Lawson, Senior Relationship Manager at RBC; Divine Favour Nwagu, Manager, Risk Management at Mastercard; Steve Dominey, Senior Content & Communications Manager at CIRA; and Shannon Fisher, Global Partnership Director at EDC.
“I was surprised and delighted. I know I was in a cohort with incredibly talented entrepreneurs, so I’m honoured to have been selected as the winner in my category,” said Dana Swart, Owner of Trailhead Bread. “I’m especially excited about bringing more community events into the bakery. In the new year, I’ll be hosting cooking classes and teaching people in my community how to bake bread.”
Dana Swart, Owner of Trailhead Bread, is a Red Seal Baker and graduate of Baking and Pastry Arts who has spent years working in professional kitchens and sourdough bakeries. Based in Crowsnest Pass, Trailhead Bread specializes in handcrafted organic sourdough and celebration cakes, incorporating Alberta-grown flour, local ingredients, and regional flavours wherever possible. Dana is now taking the next step in the business by opening a dedicated bakery space and expanding Trailhead Bread into additional retail locations.
In her pitch, Dana shared that winning the $25,000 Grand Prize would help her grow Trailhead Bread while creating more opportunities to bring people together through food. She plans to hire additional help and host community events, while also exploring the opportunity to grow produce in the neighbouring garden for use in the bakery.
“I’ve learned to accept help and become more comfortable asking for it. It’s easy to feel like you need to do everything yourself when you’re building a business, but it’s incredibly hard to actually do everything alone. I’m so grateful for the friends and family who continue to show up and help me along the way” shared Dana Swart, Owner of Trailhead Bread.
The judges commended Dana for a confident and engaging pitch that clearly communicated both her passion for baking and her vision for Trailhead Bread. They were impressed by the growth she has already achieved, her focus on high-quality local ingredients, and the clear opportunity she sees to expand the business while continuing to serve her community.
“Congratulations to Dana Swart on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Dana has taken her years of experience and love of baking and turned them into a business that feels deeply connected to the place she calls home. We are thrilled to see Dana take this next step and continue growing Trailhead Bread.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Food & Drink industry category. Nastassia Hansen, Founder and Owner of Oak & Olive Charcuterie, was recognized for the experience, creativity, and attention to detail she has brought to building her Yellowknife-based business. The judges appreciated her polished presentation, strong understanding of her customers, and vision for continuing to grow Oak & Olive Charcuterie.
“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 Dana Swart for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Dana’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Food & Drink Semi-Final episode, click here.
Dana Swart 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.