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2023 POW WOW PITCH

VIRTUAL JUDGE BRIEFING

Thank you for being a Judge for the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Competition! This webpage is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to have a successful judging experience supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs participating in the Pow Wow Pitch Competition.

ABOUT THE PITCH

Pow Wow Pitch is a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to shine the spotlight on pow wow vendors, artists, business builders and innovators from all backgrounds and industries, whether just starting or looking to grow to the next level.

SEMI-FINAL RECORDING DATES 

August 14, 2023:
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET: Non-for-Profit
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM ET: Tourism

August 15, 2023:
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET: Knowledge
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM ET: Youth

August 16, 2023:
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET: Health & Wellness
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM ET: Professional Services & Trades

August 17, 2023:
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET: Food & Drink
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM ET: Creative
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET: Youth

August 18, 2023:
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET: Tech
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM ET: Fashion

September 17, 2023:
12: 00 PM - 4:00 PM ET: Grand Finale

THE ROLE OF JUDGES

During the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals, judges listen to and evaluate the pitches presented by entrepreneurs. To ensure a thorough understanding of each entrepreneur's business and potential, judges ask questions and engage in discussion.

Following the presentation, judges score each pitch based on predetermined criteria. However, the scoring process isn't the only way judges provide support. In addition to scores, judges also provide constructive feedback to each entrepreneur, regardless of the outcome of the competition.

This feedback aims to help entrepreneurs improve their business by identifying areas of strength and opportunities for growth. The judges' goal is to provide meaningful and actionable feedback that will benefit each entrepreneur, regardless of whether they advance to the next stage of the competition.

HOW THE ENTREPRENEURS WILL BE EVALUATED

/5

PRESENTATION

Has the entrepreneur communicated their product/service, value proposition and a pathway to sustainability and success?

/5

EXECUTION

Has the entrepreneur convinced the judges that they will follow through on their business goals?

/5

MOTIVATION

Has the entrepreneur clearly communicated how they will use the money to start or take that next step?

TIMELINE

12
Jul
2023

JUDGE ONBOARDING EMAIL

Judges receive onboarding email.

07
Aug
2023

JUDGE TECH CHECKS WITH THE PRODUCERS

AUGUST 7th to 10th
Each judge must have a 15-minute Tech Check with the Technical Producer to ensure broadcast quality streaming. Wired internet connection mandatory.
14
Aug
2023

SEMI-FINAL JUDGING

AUGUST 14th to 18th
Dates for semi-final recordings above.
04
Sep
2023

SEMI-FINAL AIRING

SEPTEMBER 4th to 13th
Dates will be updated shortly.
27
Sep
2023

GRAND FINALE JUDGING

Grand Finale Judging of Top entrepreneurs from 3 - 5 PM ET.
19
Oct
2023

GRAND FINALE AIRING

The Grand Finale Airs and the Winners are announced at 6 PM ET
20
Oct
2023

FEEDBACK DEADLINE

Please ensure that you complete the feedback form by the specified date.

JUDGE SUPPORT

As a judge, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the adjudication process, our Program Coordinator is very happy to support you. She can be reached at brett@powwowpitch.org. Please include JUDGE in your subject line to ensure your email receives priority. 

If you have any difficulty connecting for your tech check or on the day of the production, please contact the Technical Producer at info @signaturemotion.com. Please include JUDGE in your subject line to ensure your email receives priority.

SHARE THE NEWS

We invite you to spread the news on social media. Feel free to use the post below for inspiration and download the graphics and frame to promote your involvement!

I am so proud to be a Judge for Pow Wow Pitch to support and encourage Indigenous entrepreneurs as they pitch to win funds and support to start up and take their business ideas to the next level! Good luck to all of the entrepreneurs! 🏹 ❤️ 🌱 Check out this year’s lineup of Judges! https://www.powwowpitch.org/pitch/judges/

TIPS FOR ADJUDICATING

Each entrepreneur has 1 minute to pitch their business and 2 Minutes of Q&A with the judges. Judges then have 2 minutes to complete their evaluation forms for each entrepreneur they meet. Each judge will assess approximately 10 pitches in a pre-recorded session that will be edited for broadcast airing. 

1
Ask pointed and concise questions that will help you understand the business and the entrepreneur better to make a more informed decision in scoring. There is only time for 2 minutes of Q&A so the longer you take asking the question, you are taking time away from the entrepreneur to answer it and to field other questions from the judges.
2
If you feel an entrepreneur didn't have time to speak to a particular aspect of their business, you can help them by asking a question to give them a platform to provide you with additional information.
3
This is a very intimidating experience for many entrepreneurs. Visual cues like smiling and nodding help them feel reassured. For most, this is their first time pitching.
4
This is a very diverse pool of entrepreneurs at varying stages. Please tailor the sophistication of your questioning to be accessible to the entrepreneur you are meeting.
5
Avoid jargon and acronyms - e.g. MVP, ROI, etc. Many are at a very early stage and brand new to the world of business.

GET INSPIRED

Hear some of the feedback from judges who took part in past Pow Wow Pitches.

IDEAS FOR QUESTIONS

Please find below possible questions you may wish to ask during the 2 minute Q&A portion of the Pow Wow Pitch.

READINESS/MOTIVATION (for early-stage entrepreneurs)
  1. What steps have you taken to date with your business?
  2. What motivated you to start your business?
  3. Where would you like to see your business in 5 years?
PRODUCT/SERVICE
  1. How are you marketing your product/service?
  2. What is your go-to-market strategy ? (e.g. online, trade shows, B2B, franchise, etc.)
  3. Do you have global ambitions for your business? If so, how will you reach your customers
  4. What makes your product/service unique? How will you stand out above the crowd?
  5. What has been your traction to date? What are some of your biggest achievements?
TEAM
  1. What is your background?
  2. Tell us about your team or support network around you.
FINANCIALS
  1. What have been your revenues this year?
  2. What are your projections for next year?
  3. What is your profit margin for each product you sell?
  4. If you win the 2021 Pow Wow Pitch, how will you use the funds to boost your business?

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS

All Judges and Pitchers (Participants) must conduct a technical call with the Technical Producer to ascertain video, audio and Internet quality before participating in the sessions. To ensure consistency and avoid technical issues, we ask participants to set up in advance (computer equipment, location and internet connection) and ensure that the technical setup will remain the same setup for use on the day of the session. Changing the setup may result in unexpected technical problems.

Step 1: Setup YOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ADVANCE

Desktop computer or laptop

Desktop computer or laptop with a charged battery plugged into a power outlet (personal computers on personal networks work best, as sometimes highly secure office computers and networks may have firewalls that prohibit proper Internet connection. Do not use a mobile device.

Webcam

Webcam (clean the lens to ensure no fingerprints).

USB microphone

USB microphone with earbuds or a USB headset with an attached microphone.

Wired internet connection

Wired Internet connection (do not use WiFi as wireless is not reliable). A participant's recording will reside online into the foreseeable future. Participants need to ensure the brands they represent will be presented in the highest quality possible.  A dedicated wired connection to the internet ensures you will not have poor video or audio quality, dropouts and will help in maintaining sharp and clear text legibility on PowerPoint presentations.

IMPORTANT: It is imperative participants use a reliable internet connection as re-recording, editing or re-scheduling at a later date will not be possible.

Location

Quiet, indoor location free from clutter, people, pets or copyrighted materials, i.e. art in the background.

Lighting

Well-lit space. Turn on all lights and open window blinds. Position yourself in front of light sources, avoid major key light sources coming from behind.

STEP 2: Technical call with the Producer

PROFESSIONAL TIPS

Easy yet powerful tips to keep in mind

In some cases session clips may end up in television broadcasts or other professional outlets.  Here are some simple DIY tips to ensure your recording remains professional.

TIP 1: It is not flattering to look up someone's nose.  Notice that on a desktop computer your webcam is located on top of your monitor and is already close to your eye-level height. If you are using a laptop, elevate your laptop and webcam position so that the lens is at eye-level (avoid upward/downward angles with your webcam). You may have to use a tall stack of books to achieve this.

TIP 2: Come close enough to the webcam so that the top of your head touches the top of your webcam video. Do not sit far away from your camera. Stay centred and in the middle of your webcam video. Pay attention to your body posture and avoid slouching or leaning off to either side.

TIP 3: Speak clearly and project your voice. Business casual wardrobe is recommended.