On September 6, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Rachael Hunt, the Cape Croker, Chippewa of Nawash Founder of Freedom School Co. from Collingwood, Ontario, as the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Knowledge Winner. Rachael Hunt has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.

More than 2,000 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across 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 Finals. From the 2,000 applicants, 130 were selected as Semi-Finalists and provided with training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges.

Tonight, Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, emceed the action-packed program, where the seven Knowledge Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and businesses in one minute for their chance to win. 

Judges included Herb Zobell, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services of Indigenous Markets at RBC; Moreshwar Datye, Director of Platform Services at Mastercard; Gina Soparlo, Senior Advisor of Strategic Partnerships and Global Markets at Mitacs; Magnolia Perron, Indigenous Women and Youth Program Manager at NACCA; and Amy Jackson, Social Media Coordinator at Manitobah.

“Winning Pow Wow Pitch will allow me to create a scholarship fund for Indigenous Women to enroll in my signature program, Freedom Business School,” said Rachael Hunt. “The program works to heal intergenerational and ancestral wounds we are carrying.”

Freedom School Co. is a personal growth program that takes an unconventional approach to coaching and wellness by supporting individuals to build self worth and confidence. Rachael has also developed her initiative to support Indigenous women that struggle with generational trauma to break cycles and to be fostered by a community of support. 

Rachael shared in her pitch that she dreams of making Freedom School Co. more accessible to reach more women through funding and scholarships. “Winning Pow Wow Pitch will allow me to supplement this scholarship, grow an Indigenous team, integrate key partners and expand the vision even further,” shared Rachael.

The Runner Up for the Knowledge Services Category was Ninaatig Staats Pangowish, Founder of Ninaatigoons Learning, recognized for his work in language preservation and innovative learning concept. 

In addition, Skyler Sanderson, Founder of Young Visionary, received an Honourable Mention as a role model for Indigenous youth.

“Congratulations to Rachael Hunt on her advancement to the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Finals,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Rachael, your work to break generational cycles is inspirational and we are so proud to support you in uplifting Indigenous women. We look forward to spotlighting Freedom School Co. to build confidence amongst Indigenous people.” 

“Pow Wow Pitch is a tremendous showcase of Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship, and the stories and achievements of this year’s semi-finalists are a testament to their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Michael Ferencich, Senior Vice President, Business Financial Services, RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists, and we will continue to support their growth and success in the future.”

“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honor, it’s a privilege to witness the creativity and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Build Native Program Manager 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!”

“At Mastercard, we’ve been inspired by the innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard in Canada. “The future is brighter when Indigenous entrepreneurship is recognized, supported and celebrated, and we are honoured to play a role in continued success and growth of these entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Rachael Hunt on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Rachael Hunt’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Knowledge Services Semi-Final, click here.

Rachael will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Finals to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 19th. Visit www.powwowpitch.org for more information.

The post Rachael Hunt, Freedom School Co., wins Knowledge Services Semi-Final appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

In the entrepreneurial realm, there are those who tread well-worn paths and those who blaze new trails, rewriting the rulebook as they go. Rachael Hunt, the dynamic CEO and founder of Freedom School Co., who is Chippewa of Nawash living in Collingwood, ON, undeniably belongs to the latter category.

Starting out in 2018, Rachael already tasted success with her gluten-free blog, GlutenFreedom Inc. But, as she reminisces, the seeds of Freedom School Co. were sown when she recognized the palpable need many ambitious women had: to build a strong personal brand and monetize their passions. “I had countless women reaching out asking me how they could build a thriving personal brand and make money doing what they love,” she recalls.

Freedom School Co. leans heavily into understanding the individual’s mindset before diving into practical strategy. “We really emphasize the importance of healing to the root cause of the barriers,” Rachael says. The Freedom Method™️, she adds, “empowers entrepreneurs to create sustainable, thriving businesses.” Built upon neuro-linguistic programming, quantum energetics, and marketing strategies, it’s a holistic way to heal generational wounds and foster growth through entrepreneurship. 

Now, with its sights set on supporting Indigenous women, Freedom School Co. aims for an impact that creates “ripple effects beyond the individual, beyond the business and beyond the community. This is legacy work.” 

For Rachael, the most enriching part of her journey is seeing the transformation of her clients. “The best part of what I do is that I get to empower other women to create their own ‘Freedom Life’, on their own terms. I love witnessing the transformation of my clients and seeing them step into their full potential.”

However, like any entrepreneur, Rachael faces her set of challenges. “The most challenging part for me has been facing my own fears and doubts. But on the flip side, this is when I take a dose of my own medicine and apply the modalities I support my clients with, on myself. We are the only thing that really gets in our own way!” she admits.

Her journey with Pow Wow Pitch, which she describes as a serendipitous alignment, has only amplified her mission. “It has been a beautiful journey of being able to connect with other Indigenous entrepreneurs while also having the opportunity to share my mission.”

Every entrepreneur thrives with a bit of guidance, and Rachael was no different. “Meg Chapman from Shopify really empowered me to feel super confident in my pitch and the mission I am bringing forth. Angus Fudge from Mastercard helped to strengthen my preparation,” she acknowledges.

As she forges ahead, Rachael’s aspirations remain grounded in Indigenous values. She believes in aligning her business with the Grandfather Teachings and the Red Road. “I also feel that Spirit works through me in magical and mysterious ways to support me in ways I could not do alone. It is divinely synchronistic!” she states.

For budding entrepreneurs, Rachael’s advice resonates with authenticity. “Just start! You are never going to be more prepared than you are in this moment. You are capable. You are worthy!”

Register to watch Rachael pitch at the Knowledge Services Semi-Final Online Watch Party on September 6, 2023, at 6 PM ET and vote for Freedom School Co. to win the 2023 People’s Choice Prize (#33) before September 17, 2023.

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