Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce its new partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada as a Seed Partner for its 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Program.
Set to empower more than 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2025 with mentorship, funding, training, and a safe and trusted community of support, BDC’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs, engage with communities at powwows, and enhance its programming to help Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island.
In addition to engaging BDC employees as trusted mentors and judges for the Pow Wow Pitch Program, BDC is supporting the Indigenous Startup Program by developing an online module to expand digital resources and further empower Indigenous entrepreneurs.
“BDC has been a long-time supporter of Pow Wow Pitch, and we are proud to welcome them back to our community,” shared Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This partnership is rooted in our shared commitment to uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing the support, resources, and guidance they need to realize their business goals.”
“Indigenous peoples are starting businesses at an unprecedented rate. Their passion and creativity are boundless, and BDC is here to help them launch or expand their business,” said Fatiha Senhaji, Vice-President Inclusive Entrepreneurship at BDC. “Through our new partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, we are deepening our commitment to providing Indigenous entrepreneurs with the support, resources, and guidance they need to succeed.
Guided by Wade Kerr, Manager of Indigenous Entrepreneurship, and supported by a dedicated team of regional Senior Advisors, we proudly collaborate with Pow Wow Pitch to advocate for Indigenous-led businesses across the nation. Our goal is to enhance economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples and promote sustainable economic growth within their communities.”
As the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs and as a partner of Pow Wow Pitch, BDC is strengthening its commitment to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and supporting their journey toward business success. This collaboration highlights the vital role corporate organizations play in fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship and advancing economic reconciliation across Canada.
About Pow Wow Pitch
Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of Mastercard and RBC. Our vision is to create a world where Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. With a mission to provide resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.
For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.
About BDC: 80 years as Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs
BDC is a partner of choice for all entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. Our investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the most innovative firms. BDC’s development role means we are in a state of perpetual evolution – wherever entrepreneurs go and whatever the Canadian economy needs – we will be there to help them defy the odds. 80 years later, that commitment remains very much alive. The financial value of BDC’s services is estimated to add $23.6 billion in GDP to Canada’s economy over the next five years. We are one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and the first financial institution in Canada to receive the B Corp certification in 2013. For more information on our products and services and to consult free tools, templates and articles, visit bdc.ca or join BDC on social media.