PHOTO: Stock image provided by CIRA's Indigenous Stock Images.

Invest Ottawa partners with Pow Wow Pitch to provide local support to Indigenous entrepreneurs at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Festival

Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce the extension of its partnership with Invest Ottawa through 2024. Invest Ottawa’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in the National Capital Region through bootcamps, programs and mentorship services.

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.