Lower Similkameen Indian Band business based in West Kelowna, BC wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 10th, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts a Turtle Island wide Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC and Mastercard, announced Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, the Lower Similkameen Indian Band Founder of Reverence Basketball, a business based in West Kelowna, BC, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Final Winner. Kaleb has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.
More than 130 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) 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. Five Youth Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their organizations and community initiatives in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.
Judges included Kayla Neveu-Gordon, Manager of Accessibility Enablement at RBC; Urvashi Kalson, Manager of Product Integration at Mastercard; Gillian Martin, Category Director at Best Buy Canada; and Destinee Peter, National Indigenous Youth Business Advisory Council Member at NACCA.
“I want to thank my family, mentors, and community for always supporting me, and especially the youth who trust me with their growth,” said Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, Founder of Reverence Basketball. “They’re the reason I built Reverence in the first place. I also want to thank Pow Wow Pitch for creating a platform that not only celebrates Indigenous entrepreneurs but inspires us to think bigger about the impact we can make.”
Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, founder of Reverence Basketball, is a proud Indigenous coach, mentor, and player development specialist committed to supporting youth and athletes through empowerment, high-standard training rooted in community values. Based in the Okanagan, Kaleb blends basketball methodology learned from elite trainers with mentorship and accessibility, especially for athletes in smaller towns who lack consistent access to elevated resources. Through Reverence Basketball, he offers personalized coaching, structured memberships, film breakdowns, and take-home workouts so that growth continues beyond the gym. Reverence focuses on fostering discipline, legacy, and character alongside skill.
In his pitch, Kaleb shared plans to invest in Reverence Basketball by building an athlete media library to showcase and promote those who go through his programs, conducting specialized skills development and training workshops, and growing his mentorship program to support youth on and off the court. He emphasized offering resources to underserved and remote communities, creating free or subsidized spots for Indigenous youth, and ensuring mentorship opportunities include honorariums and leadership for community members. Through these efforts, Kaleb aims to expand the impact of Reverence Basketball, raising visibility for emerging athletes and creating sustainable pathways for success and belonging.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your story is your strength,” shared Kaleb. “I started Reverence because I knew what it felt like to grow up without access to high-level training or guidance. My advice to other Indigenous entrepreneurs is to lean into what makes your journey unique, your community, your roots, and your perspective are powerful assets that no one else can replicate.”
The judges appreciated Kaleb’s inspiring pitch, clear vision, and dedication to supporting youth through mentorship and guidance. They were especially impressed by his commitment to community impact and his thoughtful plan for funding, noting the strong potential of Reverence Basketball to create meaningful opportunities for young athletes.
“Congratulations to Kaleb on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are so proud to see Indigenous youth stepping up, taking the lead, and making such meaningful impacts in their communities. Through Reverence Basketball, Kaleb is not only developing athletes’ skills but also nurturing confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Seeing young people like him use their experience and passion to lift others up is exactly why we celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship, creating opportunities, strengthening community, and leaving a lasting legacy.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Youth industry category. Anthony Theriault and Todd de Groot, Co-Founders of eleven59, were recognized as a great duo who came well prepared with impressive marketing points such as beta testing and a clear vision to make a big impact within their community and age group.
“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous changemakers who are making a meaningful impact through their passion, creativity, and determination,” said Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins. “We are so inspired by all the participants and semi-finalists – their ingenuity and perseverance to bring their innovative ideas to life is truly commendable. At RBC, we are committed to supporting their entrepreneurial journey and celebrating their successes.”
“The talent and determination showcased by this year’s Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have been nothing short of inspiring,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada. “Our team at Mastercard works closely with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to break down barriers and create new opportunities for growth and economic prosperity across Canada. Congratulations to all the pitchers for sharing their ideas and stories, and a special congratulations to Kaleb Montgomery-Reid for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Kaleb’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Youth Semi-Final episode, click here.
Kaleb will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 22, 2025. Register to watch the 2025 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.