Through its partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, CFDC of CIFN is supporting early stage Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing access to business development tools and connecting them with essential resources, including mentorship and ongoing support to help grown their businesses. 

As a local presenting partner of the Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch, CFDC of CIFN will be present at Kamloopa Powwow, providing a Judge and Mentors to support the Top 10 pitchers with valuable insight and expertise to help strengthen their pitches.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch for the fourth consecutive year,” said George Casmir, General Manager of CFDC of CIFN. “This ongoing collaboration reflects our commitment to uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools, resources, funding, and support network they need to launch and grow successful businesses. We’re excited to see and support all the amazing entrepreneurs who will be pitching this year.”

“We are so grateful to have CFDC of CIFN as a long-standing partner and champion of Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Their continued commitment over the past four years has made meaningful impact in the lives of Indigenous entrepreneurs in the region. We’re honoured to work alongside CFDC of CIFN’s team to empower entrepreneurs at Kamloopa Powwow and beyond.”

Together Pow Wow Pitch and CFDC of CIFN are fostering a vibrant ecosystem where Indigenous entrepreneurs can thrive. This partnership exemplifies the power of Indigenous-led collaboration in advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship—creating space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to shine, share their stories, and build successful, sustainable businesses. 

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 CFDC of CIFN

Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) promotes and provides community economic development support services to Indigenous people within the Central Interior of British Columbia. To continue growing and flourishing as a corporation, they strive to uphold the business objectives, maintain program goals, methods, structure and assist with Indigenous Human Resource (in business-related services) and Skill Development, that reflect experience, needs and background of their clients and communities and remain linked to the overall economic, social, political and development of the Indigenous people.

For more information, visit cfdcofcifn.com.

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Are you an Indigenous entrepreneur in Kamloops looking to take action on an idea or grow your business? The Kamloopa Powwow Society and Pow Wow Pitch are teaming up for the eighth year, with the support of the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nation (CFDC of CFIN) to spotlight and celebrate Indigenous vendors, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, creators, and innovators August 4th and 5th, 2023, in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Territory, Kamloops, British Columbia.

Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced its return to the Kamloopa Powwow Society to host Pow Wow Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The 42nd annual Kamloopa Powwow takes place in Kamloops, British Columbia, from August 4th-6th, 2023. Kamloopa showcases First Nations communities and cultures from across North America through the celebration of song, dance, and artistry. 

Kamloopa Powwow Society is hosting Pow Wow Pitch for the second year to put the spotlight on Indigenous vendors, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, creators, and innovators attending Kamloopa. Vendors and attendees will have the opportunity to pitch to win $10,000 in cash prizes to take their ideas and businesses to the next level.

To enter, vendors and entrepreneurs can pre-register to pitch, with a few spots reserved on a lottery for those who just turn up and want to pitch. 

Entrepreneurs will share their business pitch in 1-minute to a panel of judges, who will then select the Top 10. The Top 10 pitchers will be paired with mentors before pitching in front of the judges and the Kamloopa community. Prizes include $5,000 for 1st Place, $2,500 for 2nd Place, $1,000 for 3rd Place, $500 for the Youth Prize and $500 for the Fan Favourite. In addition, the 1st Place Winner will get a Golden Ticket to the Turtle Island Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000.

Last year’s winner, Jason Lizotte, the Paddle Prairie Métis Owner and Founder of Nipiy Industries, took home the first-place prize and recalled on his Pow Wow Pitch experience to comment, “It was so amazing to see all the pitchers coming up and stepping out of their comfort zones in front of successful entrepreneurs and leaders to share their businesses.”

“Kamloopa is one of the most important powwows in Turtle Island,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “This year, we will build on our good work together with the Kamloopa Powwow Society Team and CDFC of CFIN to continue to foster an inclusive celebration of Indigenous ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit and ventures of all types. We look forward to putting the spotlight on Indigenous creators, makers, builders and businesses who are blazing new paths for their communities.”

“Pow Wow Pitch is a great extension to the work we do at the Kamloopa Powwow Society,” said Delyla Daniels, Director of Kamloopa Powwow Society. “Supporting First Nations culture and businesses, including our individual entrepreneurs, helps to grow our communities economically and improves our lives overall.”

“CFDC of CFIN is proud to be partnering with Pow Wow Pitch for the second year in a row,” said its General Manager George Casimir. “We are committed to collaborating with the community on this initiative to support and spotlight Indigenous entrepreneurs in our community and to surround them with the tools, resources, financing and ecosystem they need to start and grow thriving businesses. We look forward to supporting all the entrepreneurs who come out to pitch this year!”

All pitchers will access a Shopify 60-day free trial, a free.CA domain from CIRA, and access to the support and connections of the Pow Wow Pitch community. 

To learn more and pre-register for Pow Wow Pitch at Kamloopa, visit: powwowpitch.org/kamloopa.

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