Kylie Landry-Zoe, a Tech 4 Youth Grant recipient and a member of Deh Gáh Got’ie Dene First Nation, is bringing family, culture, and creativity together through her family’s business, The Bebia Cho Company based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Specializing in a family clothing line “from bebia to grandpa,” Kylie is designing apparel that reflects her family’s mission, while celebrating her Indigenous roots and entrepreneurial spirit.

Kylie’s passion for fashion started early. She loves making clothes and debuted her family line at the International Indigenous Fashion Show in Regina on October 11, 2025. Modeling her designs herself, Kylie is taking a bold step into the spotlight, sharing her creations with a wider audience and proudly representing her culture.

The Tech 4 Youth Grant and support from Best Buy Canada has been instrumental in helping Kylie achieve her goals. Kylie received an Apple iPhone 16e, Dell Laptop, selfie stick, and wireless microphone to expand her skills into digital art and media. She’s learning to draw with a tablet, explore video production, and podcasting with guidance from her mother. Her goal is to bring The Bebia Cho Company to life online, creating engaging content for YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms, helping her brand reach even more families.

For Kylie, family is at the heart of her entrepreneurial journey. She emphasizes the importance of working with loved ones: “Create with your family in case you don’t know what to do, they can help you.” Despite being shy, Kylie encourages her friends and family to take chances: “You never know what can happen!”

Kylie Landry-Zoe’s story is a testament to how anything is possible when community and family come together to build something meaningful. As The Bebia Cho Company continues to grow, Kylie is determined to inspire other young Indigenous entrepreneurs to embrace their passions and take bold steps toward their dreams.

Explore Kylie’s journey with Bebia Cho Foods here. Learn more about the Tech 4 Youth Program here.

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In 2022, Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy launched the Tech 4 Youth program, equipping young Indigenous entrepreneurs with essential technology to support their entrepreneurial journey. As the primary partner for the Pow Wow Pitch Youth category, Best Buy fosters the growth of these aspiring business leaders by providing mentorship to help them refine their one-minute pitches for a chance to win cash prizes. 

The Tech 4 Youth program welcomed applications from Pow Wow Pitch Alumni aged 21 years and under, from across Canada, demonstrating Best Buy’s strong commitment to supporting each of their entrepreneurial journeys and nurturing a vibrant future where they can thrive. Their entrepreneurial ventures span a wide range of creative, technology, and educational fields, each deeply rooted in community impact. Each youth will be equipped with new technology to elevate their businesses, highlighting the diversity of Indigenous entrepreneurship in our next generation of Indigenous changemakers.

Meet the 2025 Tech-4-Youth Recipients

Mackenzie Labby, Founder of Grey Wolf Crafts from Swan River First Nation, residing in Calgary, AB, creates handcrafted jewelry, ribbon skirts, and has plans to expand her inventory with new items and designs. Mackenzie is receiving an Apple iPhone 16 and an Apple MacBook Pro to grow her content making and allow her to build a website.

Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, Founder of Reverence Basketball from Lower Similkameen Indian Band, residing in West Kelowna, BC, leads and facilitates basketball training, coaching, and mentorship to youth athletes and connects them to a growing network of support. Kaleb is receiving an Apple MacBook Pro and a Sony Alpha ZV-E10 Camera to produce high quality content and support his storytelling initiatives that gain exposure for athletes in his program.

Kylie Landry-Zoe, Co-owner of Bebia Cho Foods Co. from Deh gah Gotie Dene First Nation and residing in Kelowna, BC, operates her family-run business with her parents that provides nutritious dried snacks to her community. Kylie is receiving an Apple iPhone 16e, Dell Laptop, Selfie stick, and wireless microphone to jumpstart their online presence and to help facilitate orders.

Anthony Theirault, Co-Founder of eleven59, a Red River Métis member and residing in Winnipeg, MB, is innovating the way students manage and stay on track of deadlines with the app that he and his business partner created. Anthony is receiving an Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple MacBook Pro to complete the development of their application and make it accessible to Apple product users.

“We are deeply grateful to Best Buy Canada for supporting Indigenous youth through the Tech 4 Youth program,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This partnership provides young entrepreneurs with the tools, confidence, and resources they need to bring their business visions to life. Congratulations to Kaleb, Mackenzie, Kyle, and Anthony! We are so excited to see how each of you will use the technology to grow your businesses, strengthen your communities, and carry your ideas forward with creativity and purpose.”

“At Best Buy Canada, we believe in the power of technology to open doors and create opportunities,” said Karen Arsenault, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability at Best Buy Canada. “Through the Tech 4 Youth program, we are honoured to support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs as they pursue their dreams and build businesses that will have a lasting impact in their communities. We are inspired by their creativity and vision for the future, and we’re proud to play a part in their entrepreneurial journey.”

To watch the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Finals, click here.

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On Saturday, June 28, 2025, 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 partners Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) and All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO), announced Wendy Landry, Founder of Bebia Cho Foods, from the Deh Gáh Got’îê First Nation as the 2025 Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch Winner. The First Nation-owned business has won $5,000 for their business and will advance to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale where they will get the chance to win the grand prize of $25,000.

This past Saturday, 27 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Kamloopa Powwow in Kamloops, British Columbia, for their chance to win cash prizes to advance their businesses.

Host Sunshine Tenasco, Founder & Chair 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 the morning of Saturday, June 28th, judges Jake Carey, Associate Wealth Advisor at RBC; Juanita Jones, Business Loans Manager at ANTCO; Preeti Hiro, Regional Coordinator at EDC; Ashley Michel, Founder & Owner of 4 Generations Creations; and Shawn Bonneau, Community Engagement Coordinator at Cooperatives First shortlisted the ‘Top 10’ entrepreneurs to advance to round two. 

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Pow Wow Pitch, all participants who pitched at Kamloopa Powwow this year were automatically entered into a special 10-Year Anniversary Raffle for a chance to win one of 10 laptops. The winners were announced during the Top 10 Finalist reveal and celebrated in partnership with the Kamloopa Powwow community. All laptops were generously donated by Mastercard in support of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Those who received a free laptop were: Stephanie Lindley of Strong Medicine Designs, Kimberly Koyczan of Nature Spirit Soaps, Makayla Mantla of Socks R Us, Sebastien Byrd of Byrds Beans Mobile Machine, Shayla Chalifoux of Shyalish Plants, Tiana Greyeyes of Homies, Jesse Taylor of First-ory, Chase Yamkovy of Primecor Inc., and Jamie & Wydell Rain of Bigfoot Bannock.

The Top 10 were paired up with mentors from RBC, CFDC of CIFN, ANTCO, Futurpreneur, and EDC, to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges: George Casimir, General Manager of CFDC of CIFN; Pat Fosbery, CEO of ANTCO; Tracy Antoine, National Advisor of RBC Origins Indigenous Markets; Colin Weeres, Director, Government Affairs and Policy at Mastercard; and Holly Atjecoutay, Head, DEI & Director of Indigenous & Northern Entrepreneurs at Futurpreneur.

The 1st Place $5,000 Prize Winner was Wendy Landry from Deh Gáh Got’îê First Nation, Founder of Bebia Cho Foods, a First Nation-owned snack company bringing delicious, nutritious fruit snacks from the Okanagan to families across Turtle Island. Rooted in a mission to reduce food waste, create jobs, and support food security in Northern and isolated Indigenous communities, Bebia Cho Foods is proudly Deh Gáh Got’îê Dene owned and operated. During her pitch, Wendy Landry shared that she plans to use the funds to invest in packaging and labeling, which are essential steps to making their apple chips more accessible in schools, Indigenous-owned businesses, and beyond.

“I’m so thankful for Pow Wow Pitch, it was a great experience,” shared Wendy Landry. “I encourage anyone else to try it and bring your family for support, they definitely gave me the courage to be here today. This has been a dream of mine to get started on a business and I did it during my maternity leave, so if I can do it, so can you!”

The 2nd Place $2,500 Prize Winner was Jesse K’odi Taylor from Skidegate and Kingcome Inlet First Nations, Founder of First-ory, an Indigenous-led publishing initiative using technology to empower the next generation of language learners. First-ory blends storytelling and innovation to help revitalize Indigenous languages through early childhood education. Founder Jesse Taylor developed First-ory to support families, especially those living away from their home communities, with baby books and tools that make language learning more accessible. During his pitch, Jesse shared plans to invest in the development of a new language-enhancing pen that speaks Indigenous words aloud directly from the pages, helping young learners and adult beginners alike hear and practice their languages with confidence.

“This was one of the best experiences I could have hoped for, everyone was so supportive,” shared Jesse Taylor. “Winning today has given me the confidence and the exposure to get my name and my business out there. My advice to any entrepreneurs out there is to just believe in yourself and go do it. The sooner you challenge yourself and face your fears, the sooner you can start living your dreams.”

The 3rd Place $1,000 Prize Winners were Jamie and Wydell Rain from Little Red River Cree Nation and Paul First Nation, Co-Founders of Bigfoot Bannock, a new catering and dining services based in Kamloops serving new takes on powwow favourites, like bannock, and a blend of traditional and contemporary meals. Jamie and Wydell are both passionate chefs and share a dream of giving back to the community by initiating free food programs for those experiencing homelessness and donating to local food banks. The pair pitched to win funds to cover further startup costs so they can open their doors to the community.

“I was encouraged by a friend who did Pow Wow Pitch last year and she gave me the confidence to take that leap,” shared Jamie Rain. “We were nervous when we first arrived but being surrounded by our people and the culture made us feel so at home and confident. The hardest part was signing up but after that, we knew we could do this together.”

The Fan Favourite $500 Prize Winner was Stephanie Lindley from Okanagan First Nation, Founder of Strong Medicine Designs, a business that is combining Indigenous designed products with self-defence and is on a mission to protect women. Stephanie is an incredibly brave woman who shared her story at Kamloopa of her own experiences facing violence and assault. Her community echoed her support and secured her the Fan Favourite prize to continue her important work in empowering and protecting women.

“I am really happy and proud that I pushed myself to be here today and pitch,” shared Stephanie Lindley. “My advice for future entrepreneurs is to just keep going and believe in yourself. Remember that you are strong medicine.”

The Youth $500 Prize Winner was Kaleb Montgomery-Reid from Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Founder of Reverence Basketball, an Indigenous-led basketball training and mentorship program offering elite skill training and basketball camps to youth. Kaleb is a passionate young entrepreneur that believes in supporting our youth outside sports and prepares them for post-secondary opportunities.

“Today was a great experience,” shared Kaleb Montgomery-Reid. “Pow Wow Pitch was a great opportunity to put myself and my brand out there at one of the biggest powwows in the interior. This was a great challenge and I encourage anyone else to just do it.”

“Congratulations to the outstanding winners of this year’s Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch. Your passion and dedication are lighting the path forward for Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “It’s inspiring to see how each of you is showing how business can be a powerful expression of culture, identity, and community care. By leading with purpose and sharing your stories, you’re creating space for future generations to dream big. Miigwech to the Kamloopa Powwow Society for hosting us, and a heartfelt thank you to all 27 pitchers who chose courage to share their vision — your bravery and brilliance made this day truly unforgettable.”

All those who pitched will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community and gain 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 will receive a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA.

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