“Pow Wow Pitch is a great extension to the work we do at the Kamloopa Powwow Society,” said Delyla Daniels, Director of Kamloopa Powwow Society. “Supporting First Nations culture and businesses, including our individual entrepreneurs, helps to grow our communities economically and improves our lives overall.”
“We are proud to work alongside Pow Wow Pitch to celebrate the hard work and talent of the Indigenous entrepreneurship community,” says Clayton Norris, Vice-President of Indigenous Services at MNP. “Indigenous entrepreneurs have the power to transform industries — and we are inspired by their ability to weave an uncompromising focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and immersive brand storytelling into exceptional business plans.”
“It is an honour for Jelly Academy to be able to partner with Pow Wow Pitch. Since founding Jelly Academy, it has been our dream to help Indigenous communities obtain these increasingly sought-after, industry-recognized micro-credentials— partnering with Pow Wow Pitch makes this all the more possible,” said Darian Kovacs, Founder and CEO of Jelly Academy. “I feel fortunate having witnessed the digital marketing industry grow over the years, and I also feel confident that Jelly Academy has only strengthened this growth through our mission to empower Indigenous voices.”
“Working with the Pow Wow Pitch team has been such an exciting and rewarding experience,” said Laura Englehart, Economic Development Manager at JEDI. “We have been wanting to bring Pow Wow Pitch to New Brunswick for some time and are ecstatic to see our collaborative efforts become a reality through strengthening our partnerships. We cannot wait to see our New Brunswick Indigenous entrepreneurs shine at the upcoming Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) Pow Wow and where they will grow and the succeed from there!”
Reflecting on the historical importance of trade in Indigenous prosperity, Todd Evans, National Lead for Indigenous Exporters at EDC, voiced his optimism: “Exporting can empower today’s Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. Our alliance with Pow Wow Pitch aids EDC’s mission to make trade more inclusive by offering access to our trade expertise, financing solutions, equity, insurance, and connections.”
Founded by Lisa Vicaire in Timiskaming First Nation, Algonquin Acres stands as a testament to Indigenous entrepreneurship and the power of innovative therapeutic approaches in supporting mental health among Indigenous youth. Lisa’s approach intertwines Indigenous teachings and traditions with animal therapy, primarily using horses as a medium to boost mental resilience and self-confidence.
“MINI TIPI is super excited to be part of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Trisha Pitura, Co-founder of MINI TIPI. “We’ve actually pitched three times, participating as entrepreneurs. To see the progress we have made from the opportunities we’ve received from Pow Wow Pitch is unbelievable. We love and support everything that Pow Wow Pitch does for entrepreneurs to give them that space and stage to stand out, dream big, and tell their story. This year we really wanted to allow entrepreneurs to have more opportunities, so MINI TIPI has given three prizes of $1,000 each, from entrepreneur to entrepreneur, to lift each other up and to see us all succeed together.”
First-Place Winner Lisa Vicaire, Founder of Algonquin Acres said, “From the Pow Wow Pitch experience, I have come to realize that for every Indigenous entrepreneur there is a whole team of people out there to cheer you on that you haven’t met yet.”
“The Indigenous Business Pitch competition will not only give New Brunswick Indigenous entrepreneurs a chance to win cash prizes towards their start-up or existing business, but it gives them the chance to enter the Turtle Island Pow Wow Pitch Competition and get exposure on a national level. Effective partnerships like these with the focus on increasing Indigenous representation within the New Brunswick economy is paving the way to what true economic reconciliation is,” said Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI.
“Joining Pow Wow Pitch has allowed me to get involved with work that feels good,” said Brett Burrow, Programs Coordinator at Pow Wow Pitch. “Pow Wow Pitch has welcomed me into a community I am proud to support and I’m so excited to be a part of the journey to continue building Pow Wow Pitch from here on.”
“The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is thrilled to be hosting Pow Wow Pitch once again,” said Trina Mather-Simard, Executive Director & Producer of the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. “This incredible opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs started right here on our Celebration Stage. Each year we are blown away by the brilliance of our Indigenous community and love to watch them confidently pitch and ultimately grow their idea into a successful business.”
Kyle St-Amour Brennan’s work as the program lead of Build Native Indigenous Entrepreneurs at Shopify is making a real difference in the world of Indigenous entrepreneurship. His work with the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast is just one example of his commitment to promoting greater economic diversity and inclusivity, and is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. Said best by Kyle himself, “It’s all part of building a circular economy and building that impact.”
On this collaboration, Chief Lady Bird said, “I am happy to be partnering with Pow Wow Pitch because I believe in uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs and love that Pow Wow Pitch is creating opportunities for Indigenous people to maintain ownership of their craft, business and intellectual property. It is important to me, as an entrepreneur, to be able to determine my own version of ‘success’ and be free to make choices that best represent my ethics, and I want this to be true for other entrepreneurs as well, and am always excited to watch other Indigenous people thrive!”
“We are excited to once again support Pow Wow Pitch by providing technology, mentorship, and funding for Indigenous youth as they prepare to be future entrepreneurs,” said Jen Knight, Social Impact Manager, Best Buy Canada. “Last year our employees had such a meaningful experience mentoring these young entrepreneurs, and we’re proud to continue helping to amplify the amazing work being done by Pow Wow Pitch across Canada.”
“We are honoured to continue our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch – an organization that works tirelessly to support Indigenous entrepreneurs” said Jennifer Marley, Partner at Sklar Wilton & Associates. “We have been so impressed with the program and the work these entrepreneurs have done over the past two years and can’t wait to see what this year’s finalists will accomplish.”