Futurpreneur, Canada’s only national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39, by providing loans, mentorship, and resources to help entrepreneurs start, buy, or grow their businesses. Through its continued collaboration with Pow Wow Pitch, Futurpreneur continues to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country.

As a Friend Partner, Futurpreneur will continue its involvement by engaging team members as mentors and judges for Pow Wow Pitch’s virtual pitch competition and at in-person Pow Wow Pitch events at powwows across Canada.

Through this partnership, Pow Wow Pitch will continue to connect entrepreneurs to Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program. Participants can access loans, financial literacy workshops, mentorship, and business planning support. These resources continue to support Indigenous entrepreneurs as they start, buy, or grow their businesses.

“This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to access mentorship, funding, and business support,” said Holly Atjecoutay, Head of Inclusive Impact and Director of Indigenous and Northern Entrepreneurs. “When organizations come together with a shared commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, it creates stronger pathways for young business owners to move forward with confidence.”

“We are pleased to continue working with Futurpreneur to support Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Access to mentorship and resources plays an important role in helping entrepreneurs build and sustain their businesses. We value Futurpreneur’s continued partnership in supporting young Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

Together, Futurpreneur and Pow Wow Pitch continue to create opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to access support, build their businesses, and strengthen their communities through entrepreneurship.

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 Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program

At Futurpreneur, we believe in building trust and leveraging lived experience to support young Indigenous entrepreneurs. Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) works with young and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, ages 18-39, to start, buy, or grow their own businesses. Offering access to a loan up to $75,000 with expert mentoring and resources, Futurpreneur is here to help young Indigenous entrepreneurs reach their business goals and strengthen their communities.

For more information about the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, visit

https://futurpreneur.ca/en/offering/indigenous-entrepreneur-startup/.

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Futurpreneur, Canada’s only national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs aged 18-39, empowers aspiring business leaders through loans, mentorship, and resources. Through its continued commitment to Pow Wow Pitch, Futurpreneur is expanding opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country. 

As a Seed Partner, Futurpreneur is continuing its involvement by actively engaging employees as mentors and judges for Pow Wow Pitch’s virtual pitch competition and in-person events at powwows nationwide. Additionally, Futurpreneur will be featured on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast and Tuesday Tip Series, further supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs with valuable insights and guidance.

The partnership plays a vital role in empowering young Indigenous entrepreneurs by connecting them with essential resources to start and grow their businesses. Pow Wow Pitch will serve as a key connector, guiding entrepreneurs toward Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP). Through this collaboration, participants will gain access to culturally responsive financial literacy workshops, mentorship, business planning support, and loan financing—critical resources for launching, acquiring, and expanding Indigenous businesses.

“This meaningful partnership builds connections for Indigenous entrepreneurs, providing them with access to crucial resources, mentorship, and unparalleled growth opportunities, all led by experts who bring not only deep expertise but also authentic lived experience,” said Holly Atjecoutay, Head of DEI & Director of Indigenous and Northern Entrepreneurs. “When Indigenous service providers collaborate with a shared commitment to empower and uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs, young business owners across the nation experience transformative and lasting impact.”

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Futurpreneur, ensuring Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have the ongoing support, mentorship, and funding they need to grow,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Futurpreneur is demonstrating strong leadership in the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem, and we look forward to working together to uplift Indigenous peoples, communities, and Nations.”

Through this collaboration, Futurpreneur and Pow Wow Pitch are working together to strengthen the Indigenous business ecosystem, empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities while fostering a positive cycle of growth. This partnership demonstrates the impact of collaborative leadership in Indigenous entrepreneurship, helping to close the economic gap in Canada.

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 Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program

At Futurpreneur, we believe in building trust and leveraging lived experience to support Indigenous young entrepreneurs. The Futurpreneur Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) works with young and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, ages 18-39, to launch, buy or grow their own small businesses. Offering access to a loan up to $75,000 with expert mentoring and resources, Futurpreneur is here to help young Indigenous entrepreneurs reach their business goals and strengthen their communities.

For more information about the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, visit https://futurpreneur.ca/en/offering/indigenous-entrepreneur-startup/.

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On September 10th, 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 Tristin Manuel, the Maoli Co-Founder of MAOLI FARMS LLC, a business based in Kailua, HI, USA as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Professional Services & Trades Semi-Final Winner. Tristin has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her 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, 10 Professional Services & Trades 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 Chetan Singh, Manager of Product Management at Mastercard Canada; Melissa Gladue, Senior Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur Canada; and Darian Kovacs, Founding Partner at Jelly Digital Marketing & PR.

“Just try!” shared Tristin Manuel, Co-Founder of MAOLI FARMS LLC. “Avoid getting hung up on the details and stick to your mission or vision statements as your guide. If it doesn’t align, move on.”

MAOLI FARMS is a Native-urban farm located in Kailua, on the island of O’ahu in Hawai’i, USA specializing in plants and trees. MAOLI FARMS also provides backyard Native Growers a platform to reach a wider audience and promote sustainable agriculture.Tristin’s mission with MAOLI FARMS is to return the knowledge of the land back to the people and to reconnect with a culturally grounded way of living. 

Tristin pitched to win funds to clear and open a secondary farm location to expand MAOLI FARMS’ efforts of restoring Native Hawaiian plant life and knowledge. Tristin’s overall goal is to be the largest exporter of Native Hawaiian herbs and to rejuvenate traditional farming knowledge, restoring native roots back to the ‘aina’ – land. 

“I’d like to thank MAOLI FARMS Ohana [family] and the MF Crew,” shared Tristin, “Mahalo nunui o tupuna a me Ke Akua!”

The judges congratulate Tristin for her endeavors to replenish Hawaii’s native plant life and for clearly presenting the mission of MAOLI FARMS to become a leader in Hawaiian farming and herbal exportation. 

“Congratulations Tristin 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. “Tristin’s dedication to MAOLI FARMS’ mission to restore native plant life is truly inspiring. Your vision of reconnecting people to the land and restoring culturally-grounded traditional ways of living with the land is remarkable. We look forward to spotlighting Tristin and sharing more about MAOLI FARMS with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.” 

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Professional Services & Trades industry category. Tannis Smoke & Rayel Smoke, Co-Founders of Niña Waṡte Events, were recognized for clearly sharing their business goals and value proposition. The judges applaud their successes and leadership in making a positive impact in their community.

“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 Tristin on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Tristin’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Professional Services & Trades Semi-Final episode, click here.

Tristin 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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This year, Futurpreneur will support Pow Wow Pitch as a Silver-Level Sponsor and engage its employees as mentors, trusted advisors, and judges for virtual pitch competitions and on the ground at powwows across Canada.

The partnership is centred around enhancing financial knowledge among young Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch aims to serve as a key conduit, directing young Indigenous entrepreneurs, located in Canada, towards Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP). This collaboration seeks to provide access to culturally sensitive, safe and inclusive financial literacy workshops, mentorship, business planning supports, and loan financing crucial for starting, buying and scaling small and growing Indigenous businesses. 

Additionally, Futurpreneur will be showcased on the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast and Tuesday Tip Series. 

“This collaboration aims to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to valuable resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth with support from individuals with expertise and lived experience,” said Holly Atjecoutay, the Director of Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP). “Young Indigenous entrepreneurs nationwide benefit greatly when Indigenous service providers partner together with the common goal of championing and supporting Indigenous entrepreneur success.”

“We are so thrilled to continue our partnership with Futurpreneur to ensure that Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have the opportunity to access ongoing support, mentorship and funding as they grow,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Futurpreneur is playing an important leadership role within the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem. We are excited to continue to grow together.”

By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, Futurpreneur aims to contribute to the growth of the Indigenous business ecosystem for a more prosperous future of empowered Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities. This partnership exemplifies how organizations can collaborate to support Indigenous entrepreneurship and work towards economic reconciliation in Canada.

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 Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program

At Futurpreneur, we believe in building trust and leveraging lived experience to support Indigenous young entrepreneurs. The Futurpreneur Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) works with  young and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, ages 18-39, to launch, buy or grow their own small businesses. Offering access to a loan up to $60,000 with expert mentoring and resources, Futurpreneur is here to help young Indigenous entrepreneurs reach their business goals and strengthen their communities.

For more information about the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, visit https://futurpreneur.ca/en/offering/indigenous-entrepreneur-startup/

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Levi Wild, a passionate advocate for Indigenous empowerment from the Michif & Passpasschase Cree communities, shares how his initiative, the Children Of The North Project Corp., is uplifting Indigenous people to lead the clean energy transition. Based Edmonton, Alberta, Levi’s entrepreneurial journey was born out of necessity and a profound commitment to his community.

Levi’s journey began when he learned the potential of solar energy. A mentor’s story about presenting solar technology to Indigenous youth in the Sahtu Region left a lasting impression. The youth’s enthusiasm for the possibilities of economic empowerment through renewable energy inspired Levi.

The Children Of The North Project Corp. is an organization that specializes in providing project management, grant-writing, and consultation services to Indigenous communities. Their primary focus is to assist these communities in adopting renewable technologies and achieving energy independence. The mission of Children Of The North Project Corp. extends beyond clean energy; it’s about empowering communities to address fundamental needs like clean water, healthcare, education, and food sovereignty.

For Levi, being an entrepreneur is about more than just business. “The most rewarding part is meeting new people,” he shares. “Learning about their specialties, and developing solutions together.” He acknowledges that entrepreneurs can’t do everything themselves and emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships.

Levi’s journey has recently led to his participation in Pow Wow Pitch, a pitch competition that provides a platform and opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs. “The network of people gives you the encouragement you need to keep motivated and grow your business to success,” Levi shares on his Pow Wow Pitch experience.

Levi Wild received support from his Pow Wow Pitch mentors, Robert Perron and Leslie Fields from RBC, and Mike D’Abramo from Skylar Wilton & Associates. “Rob taught me the importance of using high-impact words or phrases to leave a lasting impact with my pitch,” shared Levi. “Leslie helped to highlight my Indigenous heritage in my intro to show my dedication to give back to the community. Mike was the great help in refining my pitch for the Grand Finale.”

Levi’s advice to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs is a reflection of his own journey, “Give it a shot! Find your local Indigenous entrepreneurship events, either from your nation or organizations like Pow Wow Pitch, and start sharing your ideas.” 

Levi Wild’s story is a testament to the power of vision, community, and perseverance. Through Children Of The North Project Corp., he is not only shaping the future of clean energy but also paving the way for Indigenous communities to thrive in a sustainable world. 

Register to watch Levi pitch at the Grand Finale Watch Party on October 19, 2023.

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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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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Futurpreneur as a Silver Partner for its 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Program. 

Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs with financing, one-on-one mentorship, business training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, Futurpreneur’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual and in-person programs through mentorship and judging to support more Indigenous entrepreneurs worldwide.

In the 2023 Program, Pow Wow Pitch has already welcomed Futurpreneur’s Team to to engage in one-on-one mentorship and advising with Pow Wow Pitchers to strengthen their pitches with mentor feedback at the the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg and the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa. In August, Futurepreneur will also support Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs at the Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Earlier this year, Futurpreneur’s Senior Business Development Manager for the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP), Noah Wilson, also welcomed Pow Wow Pitch Founder, Sunshine Tenasco to Neechie Nights as a keynote guest.

“We are so thrilled to continue our partnership with Futurpreneur to ensure that Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have the opportunity to access ongoing support, mentorship and funding as they grow,” said Sunshine Tenasco, the Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Futurpreneur is playing an important leadership role within the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem. We are excited to continue to grow together.”

“Pow Wow Pitch provides a platform to accelerate and foster Indigenous entrepreneurship while boosting Indigenous economic resiliency, aligning completely with Futurpreneur’s mission,” said Holly Atjecoutay, the Director of Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program. “Young Indigenous entrepreneurs nationwide benefit greatly when Indigenous service providers partner together with the common goal of championing and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship success.” 

To learn more about the partnership between Pow Wow Pitch and Futurpreneur, visit futurpreneur.ca/pow-wow-pitch.

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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Futurpreneur as a Silver Partner for its 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Program. 

Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs with financing, one-on-one mentorship, business training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, Futurpreneur’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs, and re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada and scale its programming to support more Indigenous entrepreneurs worldwide.

In addition to supporting Pow Wow Pitch as a Silver-Level Sponsor and engaging Futurpreneur employees as mentors, trusted advisors, and judges for virtual pitch contests and on the ground at pow wows across Canada, Futurpreneur and Pow Wow Pitch’s partnership will focus on providing Indigenous youth entrepreneurs with ongoing support through the Futurpreneur financing and mentorship programs including the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, led by a team with lived experience.

“We are so excited to kick off a new partnership with Futurpreneur to support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs with a spotlight as they start up and grow their businesses,” said Sunshine Tenasco, the Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Nurturing thriving Indigenous businesses requires an ecosystem with aligned values, complementary support and coordinated efforts to ease the way.

“Pow Wow Pitch provides a platform to accelerate and foster Indigenous entrepreneurship while boosting Indigenous economic resiliency, aligning completely with Futurpreneur’s mission,” said Holly Atjecoutay, the Director of Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program. “Young Indigenous entrepreneurs nationwide benefit greatly when Indigenous service providers partner together with the common goal of championing and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship success.” 

To learn more about the partnership between Pow Wow Pitch and Futurpreneur, visit www.powwowpitch.org/Futurpreneur.

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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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