CIRA, the nonprofit organization behind Canada’s trusted internet infrastructure, continues its involvement with Pow Wow Pitch. As Canada’s official .CA registry, CIRA provides Pow Wow Pitch participants with access to complimentary .CA domains for their businesses, supported by their partner, Web Hosting Canada. This partnership supports Indigenous entrepreneurs in establishing and strengthening their online presence.

In 2026, CIRA and Pow Wow Pitch will continue collaborating on spotlight stories featuring Indigenous entrepreneurs who have participated in Pow Wow Pitch programming and launched or expanded their businesses using a .CA domain. These stories highlight real examples of digital growth and visibility across Turtle Island.

CIRA employees will also remain engaged as mentors and judges for Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs, contributing their expertise in digital strategy and brand development.

Spencer Callaghan, Director of Brand and Communications at CIRA, shared, “Supporting Indigenous businesses and communities is essential to building a strong and diversified economic future in Canada. As a longtime partner of Pow Wow Pitch, CIRA has seen firsthand the creativity, innovation and leadership Indigenous entrepreneurs bring to Canada’s business landscape. We’re proud to continue this partnership by providing trusted Canadian digital resources like .CA domains that help entrepreneurs build their online presence while keeping their digital identity rooted in Canada.”

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, added, “CIRA’s continued partnership helps strengthen the digital pathways that Indigenous entrepreneurs across our community rely on to grow and thrive. When Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to trusted online platforms, it supports not only individual businesses, but a thriving Indigenous business landscape built on collaboration, connection, and shared opportunity.”

Through this continued collaboration, Pow Wow Pitch and CIRA are working to ensure Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to the digital infrastructure and visibility needed to build sustainable online businesses. Together, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada’s digital economy.

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 CIRA

CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada’s internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA represents Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet.

For more information, visit cira.ca.

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On September 11th, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts a Turtle Island wide Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC and Mastercard, announced K’odi, Haida & Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation Founder of First-ory, a business based in Vancouver, BC, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Technology Semi-Final Winner. K’odi has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.

More than 130 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) were selected as Semi-Finalists in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch. Each received training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges, competing for the chance to advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. Eleven Technology Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their organizations and community initiatives in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.

Judges included Crystal Brummell, Senior Digital Product Owner at RBC; Thomas Ko, Director of Software Engineer at Mastercard; Zachary Pashe, Coordinator at ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub; Althea Wishloff, Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners; and Maddy Poupore, UX Manager at CIRA.

“I’d like to thank so many people,” said K’odi Taylor, founder of First-ory. “Especially the fluent speakers who helped me with the language work. To my very first customers for taking a chance on me and believing in my dream. Most of all I want to thank my friend Lisa Marks. No one has done as much for me and my company as she has and she consistently tries to downplay her contribution whenever I try to acknowledge her or give her credit. I can’t express properly how much your help has meant to me.”


K’odi Taylor, founder of First-ory, is a passionate advocate for Indigenous language revitalization and cultural education. Based in British Columbia, K’odi created First-ory to offer immersive and accessible language learning tools rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. The platform blends technology, storytelling, and community-led teaching to reconnect people with their ancestral languages. With a strong foundation in both traditional culture and modern innovation, First-ory offers interactive tools, digital content, and culturally relevant learning experiences designed to support learners at every stage. K’odi’s mission is to help as many Indigenous people as possible learn their native tongue and reconnect with the ancestral language foundations that hold generations of identity, ceremony, and strength.

In his pitch, K’odi shared plans to use the funding to take Firstory to the next level. A portion of the funds will go toward hiring a professional CEO to help develop a strategic business plan and scale the platform with sustainability and impact in mind. The remainder will be used for targeted marketing to grow awareness and reach more communities. K’odi also emphasized the business’ deep commitment to community impact: a portion of every sale will be set aside to offer discounts for those in need, provide hands-on training to Indigenous learners and educators, and launch research-based campaigns to further language preservation efforts. Through Firstory, K’odi is building more than a business, he is creating a movement rooted in healing, empowerment, and the survival of Indigenous languages for generations to come.

K’odi shared the following advice for aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, “Don’t wait till you’re ready to start. You only become ready in retrospect after you’ve already been doing it. Have a goal, dream, or mission. Start and then figure it out as you go.”

The judges appreciated his clear and confident pitch, strong passion for the business, and the impressive traction he has already demonstrated with $100K in revenue. They were impressed by his ability to address questions effectively and saw great potential for further growth, especially with expanded marketing and visibility efforts.

“Congratulations to K’odi on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through First-ory, K’odi is showing us that language revitalization is more than education, it is healing, empowerment, and community. Our languages hold our stories, our identity, and our way of life, and K’odi’s passion and innovation are helping ensure they thrive for generations to come. Through language preservation and revitalization, we are so proud to celebrate K’odi’s vision and the movement he is building to strengthen not only his Nation, but all Indigenous peoples.”

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Technology industry category. Brooke Woboditsch, Founder of ScribeWire, the judges appreciated her enthusiastic delivery, heartfelt story, and the important work she’s doing to support accessibility and Indigenous language preservation through technology. They were especially moved by her commitment to continuing her family’s legacy and recognized the strong community need for her business.

“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous changemakers who are making a meaningful impact through their passion, creativity, and determination,” said Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins. “We are so inspired by all the participants and semi-finalists – their ingenuity and perseverance to bring their innovative ideas to life is truly commendable. At RBC, we are committed to supporting their entrepreneurial journey and celebrating their successes.”

“The talent and determination showcased by this year’s Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have been nothing short of inspiring,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada. “Our team at Mastercard works closely with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to break down barriers and create new opportunities for growth and economic prosperity across Canada. Congratulations to all the pitchers for sharing their ideas and stories, and a special congratulations to K’odi Taylor for advancing to the next round.”

To watch K’odi’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Technology Semi-Final episode, click here.

K’odi will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 22, 2025. Register to watch the 2025 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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Leanne Jones, Owner of Leanne Digital Design, and a proud member of Peguis First Nation, is making waves in the branding and web design world by combining artistry with authentic storytelling. Based in Winnipeg, her studio specializes in creating strategic, visually impactful websites and graphic designs that help businesses truly connect with their audiences. With over a decade of experience, Leanne’s approach goes beyond aesthetics. She builds brands that honour values and inspire trust, especially within Indigenous communities.

Leanne’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to support other Indigenous business owners in growing their ventures while holding true to their cultural roots. “I started my business to help entrepreneurs grow while honouring their values,” she explains. Her services range from custom WordPress and Shopify sites to SEO, logo design, and digital marketing assets. All of these are crafted with intention and purpose.

Looking to the future, Leanne has clear goals to expand her impact. She aims to scale her business by hiring more Indigenous talent and creating designs that not only drive growth but also strengthen communities. For her, success is not just about numbers; it is about fostering a creative space where Indigenous voices are amplified and celebrated through design.

Leanne also reflects fondly on her experience refining her pitch for Pow Wow Pitch, crediting her mentor Philip Crout from CIRA for invaluable guidance. “He met with me twice to go over my pitch. The first time he gave me advice on how to refine it, and the second time we reviewed it again. It was super helpful. He understood my industry, so we could relate.” That support, she says, made all the difference in building confidence and clarity in sharing her vision.

When asked what advice she has for aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Leanne encourages boldness and perseverance. “Just go for it! Make it exist first and make it perfect later. Our stories and perspectives are unique, and we offer something the world needs. We shouldn’t live small.” Her words remind us that authentic voices have the power to reshape industries and inspire future generations.

At the heart of Leanne’s work lies a deep connection to Indigenous storytelling traditions. “Design is my way of carrying forward the storytelling I grew up with. As Indigenous people, storytelling is how we connect, teach, and inspire,” she shares. “I see every logo, website, and brand as a modern way to share those stories and help others express who they are. My work is not just about making things look good. It’s about creating something meaningful that will carry our voices forward for years to come.”

Leanne Digital Design continues to be a beacon of creativity and cultural pride in the Indigenous business landscape, proving that design is far more than visuals. It is a powerful tool for connection, growth, and legacy.

Watch Leanne as she pitches her business in the Professional Services & Trades category airing on September 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET at powwowpitch.org/episodes. 

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CIRA, the not-for-profit behind building a trusted internet in Canada, is proud to continue its support for Pow Wow Pitch as a Seed Partner, reaffirming its commitment to fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship. As Canada’s official .CA registry, CIRA will provide participants with a complimentary .CA domain for their business, supported by their partner, Web Hosting Canada. This initiative aims to break down barriers and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to launch and expand their online ventures.

CIRA and Pow Wow Pitch will also collaborate this year to produce spotlight stories on Indigenous entrepreneurs who have gone through Pow Wow Pitch’s programming and leveraged a .CA domain from CIRA. This storytelling initiative aims to celebrate and inspire more entrepreneurs to use tools available to them and help grow their businesses.

In addition to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs launching their online presence, CIRA will continue to actively engage its employees as mentors and judges for Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs, both virtually and in-person at powwows across Canada.

Spencer Callaghan, Director of Brand and Communications at CIRA, shared excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Indigenous entrepreneurs represent one of the fastest-growing segments of Canada’s economy. That’s why CIRA is proud to continue our longtime partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, reflecting our unwavering support for Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada. We believe championing emerging Indigenous businesses helps enable a stronger Canada—one where the businesses we interact with everyday, reflect the society that we live in.”

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to extend our partnership with CIRA for another year, highlighting the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs and empowering them with valuable resources like .CA domains to strengthen their digital presence and grow their businesses.”

By partnering with Pow Wow Pitch, CIRA is helping to expand access to essential resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs, providing them with the foundational tools needed to build and grow their online presence and reach. This collaboration serves as a powerful example of how not-for-profit organizations can actively work together to support Indigenous entrepreneurship and drive meaningful, lasting impact.

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 CIRA

CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada’s internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA represents Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet.

For more information, visit cira.ca.

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On September 16th, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts a Turtle Island wide Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Darion Ducharme & Zachary Flett, the Lac Seul and Sagkeeng First Nations Co-Founders of Teqare, a business based in Winnipeg, Manitoba as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Technology Semi-Final Winners. Darion and Zachary, winners of the Technology Semi-Finals, presented by Mastercard Canada, have won $1,000 and are advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.

More than 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) applied to Pow Wow Pitch this year for their chance to win cash prizes and advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. From the 300 applicants, 100 were selected as Semi-Finalists and provided with training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges.

Last night, five Technology Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their organizations and community initiatives in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and advance as a finalist.

Judges included Amisha Parikh, Vice President of Product Management, Cyber & Intelligence Solutions at Mastercard Canada; Jayden Halls, Manager of Project Portfolio Management at RBC; Sydney Piggott, Senior Social Impact Manager at Shopify; Scott Tizzard, Senior Relationship Manager at EDC; and Samantha Mann, Senior Product Communications Specialist at CIRA.

“Zachary and I are deeply grateful to the incredible community that supports us and empowers us to do what we love every day,” shared Darion Ducharme, Owner and Co-Founder of Teqare. “We plan to invest in professional videography to capture one of our scam prevention workshops, particularly one where we assist elders on First Nations. This content will help us showcase the real-world impact of our work and strengthen our outreach to more Nations across Turtle Island.”

Teqare, a 100% Indigenous-owned and operated company, is at the forefront of digital adoption in Canada, offering technology training, education, and support with a focus on our nation’s most vulnerable. Darion and Zachary have spearheaded initiatives such as scam prevention workshops for all ages, both urban and rural communities across Canada. Teqare is doing important work to keep elders’ information safe online.

Darion and Zachary pitched to win funds to grow Teqare’s impact by funding videography projects and recording online resources. They would also like to begin mentoring Indigenous youth to expand their team and bring their workshops full circle.

“One key lesson we’ve learned is that no business idea is too small to make a significant impact,” reflected Darion and Zachary. “Our advice to Indigenous entrepreneurs is to find a mentor who can provide guidance and support. Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams – your passion and dedication will drive success, especially when rooted in community.”

The judges congratulate Darion and Zachary for a job well done in delivering their pitch. The judges applaud their initiative and envision their impact reaching wide across Turtle Island.

“Congratulations Darion and Zachary on your Semi-Final win and for advancing to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Darion and Zachary’s dedication to empowering vulnerable populations of our Indigenous communities through digital education, is truly inspiring. Their vision of using technology for good, while also mentoring the next generation of Indigenous youth, embodies the spirit of community impact. We look forward to spotlighting Darion & Zachary and sharing more about Teqare with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.” 

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Technology industry category. James McInnes, Founder of Prompty, was recognized for his energetic pitch, innovative product, and potential to scale. The judges applaud James on a job well done.

“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous trailblazers who are making a transformative impact on our communities with their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering commitment to success.” said Tracy Antoine, Senior Director of Indigenous Programs and Policies at RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists – their courage to participate leads to life achievements and their shared stories are truly inspirational. We are committed to supporting their growth and success in the future.” 

“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honour, it’s a privilege to witness the creativity and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead for Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify. “It’s a reminder of the resilience and strength of our communities and the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change. Shopify has played a proud role in supporting Pow Wow Pitch, so it is exciting to see how things have grown over the years. What an incredible opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs!”

“The innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch have been truly inspiring,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “At Mastercard, we’re committed to working with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to unlock access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across the diverse communities we serve to power economies and empower people. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Darion & Zachary on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Darion and Zachary’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Technology Semi-Final episode, click here.

Darion & Zachary will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 23rd. Register to watch the 2024 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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As part of this partnership extension, CIRA continues its support for Pow Wow Pitch as a Seed-Level Sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship. As Canada’s official .CA registry, CIRA will provide participants with a complimentary .CA domain for their business, supported by their partner, Web Hosting Canada. This initiative aims to break down barriers and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to launch and expand their online ventures. 

Pow Wow Pitch will also leverage CIRA’s expertise to launch an Indigenous Entrepreneurs Toolkit featuring CIRA’s Indigenous stock photos and resources for .CA businesses. This toolkit will provide valuable guidance and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their online presence.

In addition to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs launch their online presences, CIRA will continue to actively engage its employees as mentors and judges for Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs, both virtually and in-person at powwows across Canada. 

Spencer Callaghan, Director of Brand and Communications at CIRA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Indigenous entrepreneurs are building businesses that make a difference in their communities and beyond. As years long partners and supporters of Pow Wow Pitch, we’re excited to continue our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch and champion the success of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada.”

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled to be extending our partnership  with CIRA into another year, bringing to light the narratives of Indigenous entrepreneurs and bolstering their efforts by providing complimentary .CA domains to launch their online business pursuits.”

By collaborating with Pow Wow Pitch, CIRA aims to contribute to the growth of resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing them with access to the early steps of building an online startup. This partnership exemplifies how corporate entities can support Indigenous entrepreneurship and work towards economic reconciliation together.

For more information about the CIRA Indigenous stock photo set and the partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, visit powwowpitch.org/cira. 

About Pow Wow Pitch 

Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops and accelerates the growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted as a reflection of respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch. 

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.

About CIRA

CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada’s internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA represents Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet.

For more information, visit cira.ca.

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Burrden Acres isn’t just a business; it’s a sanctuary where the majestic energy of horses interlaces with the Indigenous spirit. Shannon Carroll, the Sagamok Anishnawbek Owner, Operator, and Certified Equine Facilitator at Burrden Acres, living in Massey, Ontario, finds her purpose in sharing the transformative power of equines with her community.

“I wanted to share the power of the horse,” Shannon confides, reminiscing about the force that drove her to set up Burrden Acres. “Knowing first-hand the benefits of having an equine in your presence had me so passionate about wanting to help my horses help others.”

Burrden Acres was conceived not just as a venture, but as a means to offer a culturally rich healing. Situated amidst nature, this unique organization provides an ‘on-the-land, out-of-office’ therapeutic environment. Drawing from the Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel, Shannon’s curriculum has been a beacon of hope for many. She says, “Most of our clients leave feeling a deeper connection with not only their paired equine but also themselves.”

Shannon’s entrepreneurial journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges. She touches upon the struggles of supporting people to understand the benefits of equine-assisted learning and counselling. “Educating those who truly do not understand… how it works,” she states, has been one of her primary hurdles. But resilience runs deep, as she acknowledges the wisdom imparted by her mentors, Jon Ferguson from CIRA and Jayden Halls from RBC. “Regardless of my struggles, I am helping others,” she quotes Jon. “The absolute best part of being a part of Pow Wow Pitch is the new relationships I have gained,” she mentions with palpable enthusiasm.

To budding Indigenous entrepreneurs, Shannon has words of wisdom and encouragement, “Get out of your head.” She emphasizes that dreaming is just the start – taking decisive action is what truly brings dreams to fruition.

At the heart of Burrden Acres is a message that Shannon feels deeply about: “Leave the burden at the gate™.” It isn’t merely a saying, but a testament to the sanctuary she’s created where one can let go, heal, and find strength in the gentle gaze of her equine companions.

Register to watch Shannon pitch at the Health and Wellness Semi-Final Online Watch Party on September 8, 2023, at 6 PM ET and vote for Shannon to win the 2023 People’s Choice Prize (#14) before September 17, 2023.

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On May 29th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced the renewing of its partnership with CIRA, Canada’s official .CA registry, to continue uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs through online start-ups. 

Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2023 with mentorship, funding, training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, CIRA’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs, re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada and scale its programming to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

This year, CIRA will continue to support Pow Wow Pitch as a Seed-Level Sponsor and engage its employees as mentors and judges for Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs virtually and on the ground at pow wows across Canada. The partnership will focus on sharing the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs and providing Indigenous entrepreneurs that participate in the Pow Wow Pitch community with a free .CA domain for their business with the support of their partner, Web Hosting Canada. 

Pow Wow Pitch will endeavor to launch an Indigenous Entrepreneurs Toolkit featuring .CAs and an upcoming series of CIRA Indigenous stock photos. This project is set to launch in the fall of 2023.

“We are thrilled to be extending our alliance with CIRA into another year, bringing to light the narratives of Indigenous entrepreneurs and bolstering their efforts by providing complimentary .CA domains to launch their online business pursuits,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “CIRA echoes our admiration for Indigenous entrepreneurs and their ventures and we can’t wait to see where this partnership will take Pow Wow Pitch community members this year!”

“Indigenous entrepreneurs are among the most dynamic and creative in Canada. They are breaking down barriers, supporting their communities and making an impact,” said Spencer Callaghan, Director, Brand and Communications, CIRA. “CIRA is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Pow Wow Pitch community and champion their successes.”

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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced a partnership with CIRA  (Canadian Internet Registration Authority) for its 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Program. 

Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2022 with mentorship, funding, training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, CIRA’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs, re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada and scale its programming to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

This year, CIRA will support Pow Wow Pitch as a Seed-Level Sponsor and engage its employees as mentors and judges for Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs virtually and on the ground at pow wows across Canada. The partnership will focus on sharing the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs and providing Indigenous entrepreneurs that participate in the Pow Wow Pitch community with a free .CA domain for their business with the support of their partner, Web Hosting Canada. 

“We are proud to be continuing our partnership with CIRA for the second year in a row to tell the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs and support Indigenous entrepreneurs with free .CA domains to get them started and selling online faster,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “CIRA shares the pride we have in Indigenous entrepreneurs and their businesses. We look forward to growing together as partners committed to the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

“Indigenous entrepreneurs are leading the way to a more innovative, dynamic and inclusive economy,” said Spencer Callaghan, Senior Manager, Brand and Communications, CIRA. “CIRA is proud to do what we can to help them be successful, tell their stories and lift up their communities.”

Indigenous entrepreneurs who apply to Pow Wow Pitch before June 21, 2022 at powwowpitch.org/pitch will be eligible for their free .CA.

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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, Meta and Mastercard, announced the opening of its eighth annual Pow Wow Pitch competition to Inuit, Métis and First Nations entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. 

Through Pow Wow Pitch, Indigenous vendors, artists and entrepreneurs from Canada and the United States can pitch their businesses and business ideas virtually and live at pow wows and Indigenous festivals for their chance to join the Pow Wow Pitch Accelerator program and win more than $200,000 in cash prizes.

“Pow Wow is a place to meet, dance, sing, honour our culture and trade,” said Pow Wow Pitch Founder, Sunshine Tenasco. “Indigenous people have the ideas to make a difference in their communities, and Pow Wow Pitch is our platform to support one another as a community.”

How it works

Virtual: Between April 6th and June 21st, Indigenous entrepreneurs can submit a 1-minute video business pitch at www.powwowpitch.org/pitch as their entry into the Pow Wow Pitch Competition, or they can sign up and pitch live on Instagram through InstaPitch. Pow Wow Pitch will shortlist the top 80 Indigenous entrepreneurs as semi-finalists to receive mentorship, pitch training and compete in the virtual semi-final broadcasts for their chance to win $60,000 cash prizes and advance to the Grand Finale in October. 

In-Person: Pow Wow Pitch will also be on-site for Indigenous entrepreneurs to pitch live at the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg on May 21st, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa on June 25th, and other major Indigenous powwows and festivals across Canada and the United States.  Entrepreneurs can pitch their business or idea for one minute to win cash prizes and advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. 

The Finals: On October 19th, the top entrepreneurs from the virtual and live semi-finals will pitch to a panel of judges at the Grand Finale for the chance to win the top prizes: Alumni Prize ($5,000), People’s Choice Prize ($5,000), 3rd Prize ($5,000), 2nd Prize ($10,000), and 1st Prize ($25,000).  

All entrepreneurs who enter the pitch competition will join the Pow Wow Pitch community, get access to a free Indigenous Startup Program, access more than $1,000 worth of free technology, tools and support, and have the chance to have their products and services featured in the Pow Wow Pitch annual Mailer Box to 2,500 customers and on the Pow Wow Pitch Marketplace launching later this year for socially-conscious customers looking to ‘Buy Indigenous.’

Last year’s Winner, Smudge the Blades, used the competition to grow awareness and forge new collaborations. 

“Winning Pow Wow Pitch helped me get traction with major sports stores and distribution partners across Canada, gain coverage in news articles and Sportsnet, led to awesome collaborations with NHL Teams like the Edmonton Oilers, with new plans to work with the Shopify Build Native Team to revamp our website,” said Harlan Kingfisher, Founder of Smudge the Blades. “Through Pow Wow Pitch, I found friends and feel famous-even. People are recognizing the brand and me, which is helping us grow! It was an incredible experience and an amazing community.”

Powered by Partnerships 

To scale the Indigenous-led pitch competition across Turtle Island, Pow Wow Pitch is working with industry leaders who believe in the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship. RBC, Shopify, Meta and Mastercard have signed on with significant multi-year support as Co-Presenting Sponsors of the initiative to allow Pow Wow Pitch to rise to its ambition to support every Indigenous entrepreneur.

“Shopify aims to bring more voices to entrepreneurship, and Pow Wow Pitch allows Indigenous entrepreneurs from all stages and intersections to share their dreams, beliefs, culture, and expressions of economic self-determination,” says  Kyle St-Amour-Brennan, Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program Manager at Shopify. “Pow Wow Pitch has built one of the greatest Indigenous entrepreneurial showcases anywhere, and we’re privileged and excited to continue our ongoing partnership and shared mission to empower more Native entrepreneurs from communities everywhere.”  

“Indigenous entrepreneurs drive innovation and change in their communities and across Canada,” said Garrick Tiplady, VP and Country Director at Meta in Canada, “We are proud to continue supporting Pow Wow Pitch and their incredible community of entrepreneurs through educational resources and funding.” 

“At Mastercard, we are committed to fostering an inclusive economy that benefits everyone, including the Indigenous community,” said Sasha Krstic, president of Mastercard in Canada. “We recognize that Indigenous entrepreneurs face disproportionate barriers and, in partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, we are proud to address some of their unique barriers and challenges to help amplify the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country.”

For the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Season, Pow Wow Pitch is also supported by Silver Sponsors BDC, Canada Post, Export Development Canada, Futurpreneur, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Jelly Academy and NACCA, in collaboration with Seed Sponsors Best Buy, CIRA, MITACS, MNP, Sklar Wilton & Associates and the Women Entrepreneurs Knowledge Hub. 

“Entrepreneurship is an important tool supporting reconciliation, and it takes all hands on deck to support Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Tenasco. “We are proud to continue our relationship with RBC, Shopify and Meta and kick-start our partnership with Mastercard as we build an ecosystem for Indigenous-owned vendors, startups and entrepreneurs.”

To learn more about the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch competition, visit www.powwowpitch.org/pitch/. 

To book an interview with Pow Wow Pitch Founder Sunshine Tenaco, or for more information, please contact hello@powwowpitch.org.

About Pow Wow Pitch 

Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances growth through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted as a reflection of respect and reciprocity. For more information, visit www.powwowpitch.org.

About RBC Indigenous Financial Services Group

For more than 100 years, RBC has been building relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. We are committed to serving Indigenous governments, communities, organizations, businesses and individuals by creating opportunities for sustainable economic development through access to banking and capital, and individuals. RBC also provides donations and grants that support Indigenous interests. More information at rbcroyalbank.com/indigenous.

 About Shopify

Shopify is a leading global commerce company, providing trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. Shopify makes commerce better for everyone with a platform and services that are engineered for reliability, while delivering a better shopping experience for consumers everywhere. Proudly founded in Ottawa, Shopify powers over 1.7 million businesses in more than 175 countries and is trusted by brands such as Manitobah Mukluks, Cheekbone Beauty, Sisters Sage, Herbraids, Tania Larsson, and many more. For more information, visit www.shopify.com. 

About Meta

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

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