Mi’gmaq owned business wins $5,000 and a spot in the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale in Gesgapegiag First Nation
On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, training and support, co-presented by RBC and Mastercard, and with local presenting partner Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation, announced Sherry Condo, a Mi’gmaq Beekeeper from the Listiguj First Nation as the 2026 Gesgapegiag Pow Wow Pitch Winner. The Mi’gmaq-owned business has won $5,000 for their business and will advance to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale where they will get the chance to win the grand prize of $25,000.
This past Friday and Saturday, 14 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Gesgapegiag Mawiomi PowWow in Gesgagpegiag First Nation, Quebec, for their chance to win cash prizes to advance their businesses.
Host, Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, emceed the action-packed program, where Indigenous entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and businesses in one-minute for their chance to win prizes and support to make their dreams a reality.
Following a first-round open pitch on Friday, July 17, judges Kirt Dedam, Project Manager at Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation; Karel Fournier, Account Manager at Société de crédit commercial autochtone (SOCCA); and Roberta Billingsley, Senior Economic Development Officer at Micmacs of Gesgapegiag, first shortlisted the ‘Top 11’ entrepreneurs to advance to round two.
The Top 11 were paired up with mentors from Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation, SOCCA, Micmacs of Gesgapegiag, and MNP to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges: Kammy Vicaire, Communications & Public Relations Officer at Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation; Naomi Leet, Financial Advisor at RBC; Mary Mackay, Commercial Account Manager of Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurs at Ulnooweg Development Group, and Hollie Larocque Jerome, Director of Economic Development at Micmacs of Gesgapegiag.
The 1st Place $5,000 Prize Winner was Sherry Condo from Listiguuj First Nation, a Mi’gmaq beekeeper who has been producing and selling honey across communities for the past six years. After experiencing significant bee losses, Sherry pitched to rebuild her hives and invest in equipment to expand production. She believes bees provide more than honey, they are medicine, and she is committed to ensuring future generations and Indigenous communities continue to benefit from their gifts.
“It’s a struggle no matter what you do, but don’t give up, even when you get tired,” shared 1st Place Winner Sherry Condo. “I’m over 60 years old, and I’m going to keep doing what I need to do. Get out there. We need our people out there. I hope to be remembered as someone who never gave up and who kept going because of my people.”
The 2nd Place $2,500 Prize Winner and Fan Favourite $500 Prize Winner was Sky Jerome from Gesgapegiag First Nation, Founder of Sky Sculpted Brows, a permanent makeup studio specializing in cosmetic tattooing and beauty services. Inspired by her great-grandmother, Elsa Jerome, the first female entrepreneur in Gesgapegiag, Sky turned a childhood passion into a growing business. She pitched to diversify her product offerings by expanding her pigment selection, allowing her to better serve a wider range of clients.
“There are going to be really hard days when you’re starting out, but you have to keep going,” shared 2nd Place Winner Sky Jerome. “Having a strong support system has made me never want to give up. It pushes me to be my best every day, and connecting with other business owners in the same industry reminds me to keep moving forward.”
The 3rd Place $1,000 Prize Winner was Trinity Martin from Gesgapegiag First Nation, Founder of Companion Care Collective, a planned non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of animals in her community. Trinity pitched her vision to provide support for stray and abandoned animals through temporary shelters, pet food, transportation to veterinary care, pet carriers, and financial assistance for low-income families. She plans to use the prize money to begin building small shelters for animals in need as she works toward opening a larger temporary shelter in the future.
“Find something you’re passionate about and pursue it with love,” shared 3rd Place Winner Trinity Martin. “I hope to continue showing compassion to the voiceless and make sure every animal has the care and kindness they deserve.”
The Youth $500 Prize was Rysun Jerome from Gesgapegiag First Nation, Founder of Bryse, a youth-led clothing brand focused on creating apparel that helps people feel confident, comfortable, and true to themselves. At just 14 years old, Rysun pitched his vision of offering clothing that honours Indigenous identity while giving people fresh, creative choices. He shared that winning Pow Wow Pitch will help him continue growing his brand and spread the message that everyone deserves to feel confident in what they wear.
“Don’t quit and follow your dreams,” shared Youth Prize Winner Rysun Jerome. “Bullying can be tough, but if you keep persevering, you can get through it. I hope to create something people remember for the confidence and comfort it gives them.”
“Congratulations to the winners of the Gesgapegiag Pow Wow Pitch.” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “This weekend’s entrepreneurs shared powerful ideas, determination, and a commitment to creating opportunities for their communities. Miigwech to the Gesgapegiag Mawiomi PowWow Committee for hosting us, and a heartfelt thank you to all 14 pitchers whose courage and vision made this day unforgettable.”
All those who pitched will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community and gain access to the Indigenous Startup Program, a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA, as well as various Pow Wow Pitch programs and partner opportunities.