New Brunswick Indigenous entrepreneurs can pitch live in Fredericton on February 22nd to win $1,000
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.