In 2022, Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy launched the Tech-4-Youth program, equipping young Indigenous entrepreneurs with essential technology to elevate their business ventures. As the primary partner for the Pow Wow Pitch Youth category, Best Buy fosters the growth of these aspiring 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 19 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 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 education, craftsmanship, digital media, and cultural preservation.

Meet the 2024 Tech-4-Youth Recipients

Simon Monteith, the Founder of Simon the Scientist from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, residing in Winnipeg, MB, provides YouTube online learning for kids, explaining science from an Indigenous perspective. Simon is receiving an AnkerMake M5 3D printer with filament, as well as a microscope with a built-in camera to support him with video production for his educational videos.

Cadence Cotter, Owner of Manes and Reins Equestrian Co., a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and residing in Linwood, ON, provides custom products for both equines and equestrians. Cadence is receiving an Apple iPhone 15 and OtterBox phone case to enhance her ability to take orders, which typically arrive via text or phone calls. 

Damon Martin, Owner of Nomad Prints from Haisla Nation, residing in Surrey, BC, is striving to launch a 3D printing business that will feature a YouTube channel showcasing the ease and fun of creating cool 3D printed items, which he plans to sell at craft fairs and kids’ entrepreneur events. Damon is receiving a AnkerMake M5 3D printer with filament and a Dell XPS laptop to support his venture in creating tutorial videos to inspire other youth by showing just how fun and easy 3D printing can be.

Isabella McBain-Nepton, Co-Owner of Carie McBain Creations and Supplies from Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, residing in Ottawa, ON, is a business that sells bead supplies and beadwork online and at powwows. Isabella is receiving an Apple iPhone 15 and OtterBox phone case to take higher quality photos for their business, helping to showcase their intricate beadwork and supplies with greater detail. 

Kashtin Delorme, Founder of KASHT2N PRODUCTIONS from Cowessess First Nation, residing in Melville, SK, provides photography and videography for events including powwows. Kashtin is receiving a Sony Alpha 7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with a Lens Kit to help produce high quality work for current and future clients.

“I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Best Buy for their generous support in providing technology to Indigenous youth,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “These tools empower our youth to bring their business visions to life. With Best Buy’s partnership with the Tech-4-Youth program, our young entrepreneurs now have the resources they need to thrive in today’s digital economy and continue their journeys with confidence and creativity. Congratulations to Simon, Cadence, Damon, Isabella, and Kashtin for being selected as this year’s Tech-4-Youth recipients! We are excited to see how each of you will leverage these tech grants to elevate your businesses and create meaningful impact in your communities.”

To watch the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Finals, click here.

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Cadence Cotter, just 12 years old, is not only a passionate equestrian but also the proud Métis owner of Manes and Reins Equestrian Co based in Linwood, Ontario. Her entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity. “To be able to afford extra lessons on my pony and to be able to show,” Cadence reveals, she had to think out of the box. With her mother’s laser business as a backdrop, Cadence inquired, “Were there things I could make that could help me pay for more riding lessons and show passes?”

Today, Manes and Reins Equestrian Co. offers custom products for equestrians and their horses. What began with stall signs evolved into a line of ribbon holders and has now expanded to a line of Ojibway Spirit Horse-themed items. Speaking about her journey, Cadence says, “I’ve been doing this for almost three years… Last weekend I talked to [a local store] and they agreed to carry them!”

But this is not just a business for Cadence; it’s a mission. She donates a portion of her sales to barns aiming to resurrect the endangered Ojibway Spirit Horse Breed. Her latest line features these majestic beasts, “I am most proud of my new line of Ojibway Spirit Horse keychains, necklaces, and earrings.”

Navigating the business world at such a young age is not without its challenges. Cadence admits, “I have a hard time talking to stores… I get nervous and don’t always know what to say.” Yet, she remains undeterred, with the steady support of her family and mentors. Eddy Paul from Futupreneur and Sergio Islas from Best Buy, both mentors to Cadence, emphasize the ‘social enterprise’ aspect of her venture. Sergio especially advised her to highlight her age, proving that the youth can indeed be trailblazers.

Community, according to Cadence, is at the heart of her entrepreneurial journey. Drawing inspiration from her mother’s work ethic and dedication to the community, Cadence believes in originality and creating a positive impact. “That whatever I do needs to positively impact my community, and my community is the horse world and the Indigenous community so doing both,” she says.

Her advice to budding entrepreneurs is a blend of her own journey and the teachings of her mentors. “Go to your community for support,” Cadence emphasizes. 

Register to watch Cadence pitch at the Youth Semi-Final Online Watch Party on September 14, 2023, at 6 PM ET and vote for Manes and Reins Equestrian Co. to win the 2023 People’s Choice Prize (#54) before September 17, 2023.

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