On July 27, 2024, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, training and support, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, and in collaboration with Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), Wabanaki Maple, and Food & Beverage Atlantic, announced Amber Solomon, Founder of Immerse Collective, from the Bilijk First Nation as the 2024 Tobique Pow Wow Pitch Winner. The Indigenous-owned business has won $5,000 for their business and will advance to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale where they will get the chance to win the grand prize of $25,000.

On Saturday, 15 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Tobique Powwow in Neqotkuk First Nation (Tobique, New Brunswick), for their chance to win cash prizes to advance their businesses.

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, and Keely Thompson-Cook, Communications Coordinator of Pow Wow Pitch, co-hosted 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, July 27th, judges Holly Brown Bear, Economic Development Officer, JEDI; Jason McDonald, Business Development Manager, Futurpreneur; Natasha Martin-Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer, Martin-Mitchell Designs; Tammy Brideau, Executive Director, Food & Beverage Atlantic; Candice Perley, Owner, MC Metal Fabrication; and Siquin Bear, Owner, Party Bear Rentals, shortlisted the ‘Top 10’ entrepreneurs to advance to round two. 

The Top 10 were paired up with mentors from JEDI, Futurpreneur, Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick, Party Bear Rentals, MC Metal Fabrication, Women in Business New Brunswick, and Martin-Mitchell Designs, to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges Laura Englehart, Economic Development Manager, JEDI; Jolene Johnson, Founder & CEO, Wabanaki Maple; Tiffany Perley, Economic Development Officer, Tobique First Nation; and Jeanette Bear, Budget Control Officer, Tobique First Nation.

“Winning first place today is a major accomplishment for me,” said Amber Solomon, Founder of Immerse Collective and 1st Place Winner of Tobique Pow Wow Pitch. “Growing up I was always super shy so being able to come up here today to pitch my business and show how far I’ve grown with it in front of everyone has been amazing and I’m so grateful for all of the support.”

Immerse Collective is an extension of Amber’s creativity and talent that sells custom graphics, embroidered apparel, and accessories. Amber is a multifaceted artist from beadwork, quillwork, basketry, digital design, and visual art. Immerse Collective was inspired to promote mental health awareness and now holds a variety of apparel. One of Amber’s most popular designs is her ‘You Are On Wolastoq’ product line to show pride in her territory and community. Amber shared in her pitch that she would like to purchase the equipment necessary to transform her production in-house to bring opportunities to her community. Amber shares her advice for Indigenous entrepreneurs, “find your passion and what you love, just dive in and the rest will come.”

The 2nd Place $2500 Prize Winner was Asha Bear, Founder of Bear Beadwork and soon-to-be Bear Productions. Asha pitched to extend her current business, Bear Beadwork, into film making under a new name, Bear Productions. Asha’s experience in working in film has inspired her to take new direction in telling Wolastoq stories and experiences of her people. “I am so honoured and happy to be able to pitch and win in my community,” shared Asha. “I am so glad that my community and the judges see something in me that maybe I don’t see in myself. My experience today was really positive, I felt really prepared and supported by everyone.”

The 3rd Place $1000 Prize Winners were Krista and Barry Nash, Founders of Nash Athletics, a family-owned athletic brand working to promote healthier lifestyles in Indigenous communities through programming, training, and nutrition. Nash Athletics also creates athletic wear and equipment with designs directly from Indigenous artists. Krista and Barry shared in their pitch that they would use the funds to expand their reach through marketing and development. “Our Pow Wow Pitch experience was absolutely amazing,” shared Krista. “We were just looking to connect and to get our name out there and to reach as many First Nations communities as possible. We recommend anyone to participate in Pow Wow Pitch because there is so much support, positive feedback, and they are a real motivator to keep it up!” 

The Fan Favourite $500 Prize Winners were Sara Saulis and Sheena Davenport, Founders of Straight Out Of Neqotkuk (Design Space), a crafts, accessories, and apparel based business. Sara and Sheena shared in their pitch that they would use the funds to purchase printing equipment to continue providing products for their community with hopes to expand to other communities as well. “This has been really exciting for me.” started Sara Saulis. “I wasn’t expecting to do this when I came to the powwow but it has been a great opportunity and I’m glad to take part in it to share some of the hard work my friend and I have been doing.” Sheena Davenport continues, “as Sara said, we came here just to have fun and be a vendor, we didn’t expect to pitch anything, but it definitely has us thinking about where we can move forward with our business.”

The Youth $500 Prize Winners were May Martial and Dayna Dedam, Founders of May & Dayna’s Mechanic Shop, a startup and business idea to open their own automotive shop, inspired by May’s father. May and Dayna shared in their pitch that they want to go to school and get certification to begin taking their first steps. “This means alot to me because I grew up learning from my Dad who was a mechanic,” shared May. “It makes me want to move forward and to follow his path. I’m really excited that we got this opportunity.” Dayna continues, “We didn’t know what we were doing but we just signed up and gave it a try and I’m really glad that we did.”

The recipient of the 1-year membership to Food & Beverage Atlantic was Amy Pelletier, Founder of KWEYcuisine, an Indigenous food catering and take-out business and soon-to-be restaurant based on Madawaska Maliseet First Nation. KWEYcuisine is focused on providing food programming to elders and creating a space to connect with culture through food. Amy shared in her pitch that the funds will go into her ongoing plans to open her restaurant space and develop her food program. “What an awesome experience at the Neqotkuk (Tobique) 2024 Powwow,” shared Amy. “I was able to participate in the Pow Wow Pitch and won a 1 year free membership to Food and Beverage Atlantic. I am very grateful to have been chosen and can’t wait to see what is in store for KWEYcuisne with the help of Food and Beverage Atlantic.”

“Congratulations Amber, Asha, Krista, Barry, Sheena, Sarah, May, Dayna, and Amy,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “You are shining examples of what can be accomplished with vision, dedication, and perseverance. You are already role models to aspiring entrepreneurs in your communities, demonstrating how to pursue dreams and make positive impacts. We are incredibly proud of each of you and look forward to following your journeys toward continued entrepreneurial success.”

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the Tobique Pow Wow Pitch Competition,” said Julien Moulton, Director of Tobique Powwow Committee, Tobique First Nation. “Your achievements not only exemplify entrepreneurial excellence but also symbolize the resilience and innovation within our community. Through initiatives like this, we’re not just fostering economic opportunities; we’re forging pathways towards lasting empowerment for Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick.”

All those who pitched are automatically entered into the Turtle Island (North American) Pow Wow Pitch competition and will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community for ongoing support. All pitchers have gained access to a free Indigenous Startup Program, the opportunity to have their products and services be considered to be featured in the annual Pow Wow Pitch Box and on Pow Wow Market for socially-conscious customers looking to ‘Buy Indigenous,’ and will receive a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA, and a 60-day free Shopify Trial.

For media inquiries, please contact Pow Wow Pitch at hello@powwowpitch.org.

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Food & Beverage Atlantic (FBA) is an organization committed to driving the success of food and beverage companies across the Atlantic region through various streams of programming, training, and networking. They support a wide range of companies from farmers markets to international markets. The benefits of a FBA membership provides food and beverage processors, producers and manufacturers many opportunities to help their businesses grow through exclusive resources, discounted rates with suppliers, unique opportunities, and direct access to retailers.

As part of the partnership, Food & Beverage Atlantic will provide an Indigenous entrepreneur participating in the Tobique Pow Wow Pitch with a 1-year membership to their organization, valued up to $1,200.

“At Food & Beverage Atlantic, we are thrilled to partner with Pow Wow Pitch at the live pitch competition in Tobique, New Brunswick,” said Tammy Brideau, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Atlantic. “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship. By nurturing culturally-based food businesses, we celebrate diversity and foster economic growth and sustainability within our communities. Together with Pow Wow Pitch, we aim to create opportunities that amplify Indigenous voices and empower their culinary traditions on a national stage.” 

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Indigenous and mainstream organizations: “For Indigenous peoples and communities, food is more than sustenance; it is a profound connector that brings people together. Pow Wow Pitch is thrilled to partner with Food & Beverage Atlantic for the Tobique Pow Wow Pitch, a collaboration that not only celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Indigenous cultures but also paves the way for traditional foods to enter and enrich mainstream society. By expanding access to resources and creating new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs across New Brunswick who are in the food and drink industry, this partnership allows them to share their unique flavours, stories, and cultural legacies with a broader audience.”

By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, Food & Beverage Atlantic aims to contribute to the growing community of support and championing Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

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 Food & Beverage Atlantic

Food & Beverage Atlantic (FBA) is a vibrant community of nearly 300 companies driven by the mission to build a stronger, more connected food and beverage community. Dedicated to strengthening and educating the industry, FBA ensures its members are prepared and visible, both locally and globally. Believing in the power of partnership and collaboration, FBA is proud to contribute to the dynamic and growing Atlantic Canada food and beverage sector.

FBA champions the thriving food and beverage industry in Atlantic Canada by empowering businesses through innovative programming, hands-on training, and invaluable networking opportunities. FBA provides the tools needed for business success.

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Tammy Brideau
tammy@atlanticfood.ca 
T: 506-227-8328
For more information, visit atlanticfood.ca.

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