The partnership brought together Pow Wow Pitch’s community of Indigenous entrepreneurs and Invest Ottawa’s local expertise and resources to create a powerful platform for growth and recognition. The event blended mentorship, networking, and celebration, giving entrepreneurs the space to share stories, gain insights, and watch as Indigenous excellence was honoured on a national stage through the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.

Held in Ottawa, the event opened with a mentorship session featuring esteemed business leaders and community champions, including Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa; Cynthia Desjardins, Sr. Relationship Manager of Indigenous Markets and Not-for-Profit at RBC; Erin McLean, Branch Manager at RBC; Meagan Thompson, Director of Corporate Proposals at Altis Recruitment; and Katya Valiquette, Founder of KV Marketing. The mentors provided personalized guidance, expert insights, and encouragement, helping participants strengthen their confidence and business strategies.

These mentorship conversations were followed by the live watch party of the 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, where participants gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of Indigenous business leaders from across Turtle Island.

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, hosted annually by Pow Wow Pitch, celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional innovation, leadership, and positive influence within their communities. By working alongside Invest Ottawa, this year’s event amplified the voices of Indigenous business owners in the region and strengthened the local support network available to them.

In the spirit of celebration, Pow Wow Pitch also hosted multiple giveaways throughout the evening of their Pow Wow Pitch Box and gifted entrepreneurs laptops and phones courtesy of Mastercard.

This collaboration between Pow Wow Pitch and Invest Ottawa reflects the growing movement to create space for Indigenous entrepreneurship. Together, they demonstrated that fostering inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem requires more than recognition, it requires meaningful collaboration and continued investment in community.

“Our collaboration with Invest Ottawa made this event a true celebration of community,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “It was incredible to see Indigenous entrepreneurs come together to share stories, receive mentorship, and celebrate the achievements of Indigenous business leaders from across Turtle Island. The evening showed what’s possible when we lift each other up, when mentorship, celebration, and cultural pride come together in one space. We were honoured to share that space with supporters like Invest Ottawa, whose generosity and partnership made the night so meaningful.”

“It was an absolute honour to celebrate the achievements and leadership of Indigenous entrepreneurs alongside Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa. “These entrepreneurs are not simply building businesses. They are strengthening community, fostering belonging, and creating the kind of lasting change that lifts all of us. Every conversation was filled with courage, creativity, and purpose. After more than six years of collaborating with Pow Wow Pitch, we remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from, support, and honour these remarkable leaders. They are shaping a more inclusive, vibrant future for our entire region, and we are committed to celebrating and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship in meaningful and enduring ways.”

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 Invest Ottawa

Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital Region, facilitating economic growth and job creation in Ottawa. Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa’s full potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. These include small business training, mentorship, acceleration for technology firms, foreign business and investment attraction, local business retention and expansion in targeted sectors, commercialization and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life. Invest Ottawa also manages Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub and one-stop business acceleration shop; and, founder and operator of Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy, and connectivity technologies. Since 2017, Invest Ottawa has supported and delivered $3.7 billion in GDP impact, 29,343 jobs, and $622 million in government revenues.

For more information, visit investottawa.ca.

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On June 22, 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 Canada, and in collaboration with Invest Ottawa, MINI TIPI, and ADAAWE announced Charity Fleming, Founder of Qualia Counselling, from the Wabauskang First Nation as the 2024 Summer Solstice 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, 13 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa, Ontario, for their chance to win cash prizes to advance their businesses.

Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, co-hosted the action-packed program alongside Janelle Niles, Creator & Producer of Got Land? Indigenous Comedy Show, 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, June 22nd, judges Libier Gomez, Managing Director at Sklar Wilton & Associates; Althea Wishloff, General Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners; Patricia Vincent, Vice President of Human Resources at EDC; Paula Hopkins, Director of Entrepreneurship at Invest Ottawa; Monika Sofrenovic, Marketing Specialist at CIRA; Relay Tangie, Director of Finance at NACCA; and Trisha Pitura, Co-Founder of MINI TIPI, deliberated and decided to push forward all 13 pitchers into the second-round pitch and to receive mentoring. 

All 13 pitchers were paired up with mentors from RBC, Futurpreneur, Canada Post, CIRA, ADAAWE, Sklar Wilton & Associates, MINI TIPI, and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges Tamer Gabbour, Senior Commercial Account Manager at RBC; Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead of Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify; Kate Karn, Director of Public Policy at Mastercard Canada; Jocelyn Formsma, CEO of the National Association of Friendship Centres; and Jonathan Critch, Manager of Small Business Marketing at Canada Post.

“I want to thank Pow Wow Pitch for encouraging and inspiring me to pitch my idea,” shared Charity Fleming, Co-Owner of Qualia Counselling and 1st Place Summer Solstice Pow Wow Pitch Winner. “I loved hearing everyone’s pitches and stories and seeing the resurgence, reclamation, and empowerment from our community. I really loved this process and the energy of today, chi migwetch!”

Charity Fleming is the Co-Owner of Qualia Counselling, a mental health counselling service that offers culturally aware, safe, and inclusive programming and therapies, for those seeking mental health support. Qualia Counselling currently has four clinic locations in Ontario, serving Brantford, Cambridge, Ohsweken, and Waterloo. Charity shared in her pitch that she wishes to expand Qualia Counselling’s resources available to Indigenous youth, strengthen their social media presence, and hopes to create an app for their services. 

The 2nd Place $3,500 Prize Winners were Jennifer and Drew Tenasco, Founders of Tendesi Air Fresheners, an up and coming product that combines Indigenous art and fresh scents for all places. Jennifer and Drew are twin sisters that work together to design and curate their air fresheners by incorporating Anishinaabe traditions and designs created by Drew. The sisters  shared that they would use the funds to update their current equipment and fund their newly launched website. “I was really nervous at the start but we had a lot of support. This will really help us in our journey and I’m really grateful for today,” shared Drew Tenasco. “I’m so glad that we have each other to keep us going. My advice to other pitchers would be to believe in yourself, showing up is the hardest part,” continued Jennifer Tenasco.

The 3rd Place $1,000 Prize Winner was Pandora Wilhelm, Founder of Mulberry Design, a laser custom product, and workshop-based business centered around Early Learning Resources of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis languages. Since beginning in 2020, Pandora has notably scaled her business while also being a mother of six. Pandora shared in her pitch that she would like to hire a photographer to improve her product presentation on her website and to connect with an Indigenous digital marketing organization to expand her reach. “This is my fourth time pitching and every time I learn something new to improve my pitch and I encourage others to give it a try and learn something new,” shared Pandora.

The Fan Favourite $500 Winner and Youth Prize $500 Winner was fifteen-year old Kayden Tolley, Founder of Kayden’s Klean Up, a cleaning and lawn service business based in Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg. After not getting any of the jobs he applied for, Kayden took control of his own future and started up a lawn care business. Since then, Kayden’s Klean Up has been incredibly successful servicing his home territory and has been able to support 7 employees. In his pitch Kayden shared that he would use the funds to upgrade his equipment and to continue growing his team of Indigenous youth. “To all the youth who want to try Pow Wow Pitch, do it. Give it your all and hopefully you’ll get something out of it, either money or you’ll learn something new,” shared Kayden.

“Congratulations Charity, Jennifer and Drew, Pandora, and Kayden,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are incredibly proud of your achievements and are excited to see how you will continue to inspire and lead in your communities. Your success exemplifies the incredible perseverance you have in reaching for your entrepreneur dreams. Keep blazing the trail for the next generation!” 

“The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is thrilled to be hosting Pow Wow Pitch once again,” said Trina Mather-Simard, Executive Director & Producer of the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. “This incredible opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs started right here on our Storytellers and Elders Stage. Each year we are blown away by the brilliance of our Indigenous community and love to watch them confidently pitch and ultimately grow their idea into a successful business.”

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 inquires, please contact Pow Wow Pitch at hello@powwowpitch.org.

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This year, Invest Ottawa will support Pow Wow Pitch as a local co-presenting sponsor of the Summer Solstice Pow Wow Pitch  and by engaging its employees as mentors and judges. 

“We are committed to becoming a better ally, supporting sustainable change, and empowering diverse entrepreneurs from every walk of life who drive our economic growth,” said Sonya Shorey, Interim President and CEO, Invest Ottawa. “We know the path to Truth and Reconciliation includes acknowledging the injustice and harm done to Indigenous people, past and present, and addressing the inequities and systemic barriers that persist. We are honoured to collaborate with Sunshine and Pow Wow Pitch to support community-led action, and help fuel the growth and success of Indigenous entrepreneurs today and tomorrow.”

“I am so proud Invest Ottawa is supporting Pow Wow Pitch to reach and support more Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Having the hometown support of our community helps us stand taller as entrepreneurs so we can grow confidently knowing our community is rallying for the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs.”  

By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, Invest Ottawa aims to contribute to the allyship of the Indigenous entrepreneurship and support local entrepreneurs with their expertise. This partnership exemplifies how corporate entities can 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 Invest Ottawa

Invest Ottawa helps accelerate your growth and success, leverage the best programs, people and places, and make your mark in Ottawa, a global tech hub and collaborative business community. We are a multifaceted organization ready to help you in venture development, global expansion, talent programs and services, research and development, and innovation collaboration.

For more information, visit investottawa.ca.

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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 Canada, announced its collaboration with the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, with local partners Invest Ottawa, MINI TIPI, and ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub, taking place on Anishinābeg Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario on June 22, 2024. 

The 29th annual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival takes place at Mādahòkì Farm, Indigenous Experiences property located in Ottawa’s Green Belt. It is Canada’s only Indigenous Agri-tourism destination and working farm. The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival features many Indigenous People’s Day celebrations, a competition powwow, and many other events that celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples!

For the ninth year, Summer Solstice has invited Pow Wow Pitch to come celebrate and put the spotlight on Indigenous vendors, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, filmmakers, and innovators attending the powwow.

How It Works 

To enter, vendors, attendees and entrepreneurs can pre-register for limited audition spots here: powwowpitch.org/summer-solstice, with a few spots reserved on the lottery for those who just turn up and want to pitch. To audition, entrepreneurs will have 1-minute to Pitch their ideas or businesses for a chance to win! 

The top 10 pitchers will be paired with mentors before pitching to the judges and the Summer Solstice 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 also get a Golden Ticket to the Turtle Island Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000. 

“The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is thrilled to be hosting Pow Wow Pitch once again,” said Trina Mather-Simard, Executive Director & Producer of the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. “This incredible opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs started right here on our Storytelling Stage. Each year we are blown away by the brilliance of our Indigenous community and love to watch them confidently pitch and ultimately grow their idea into a successful business.”

“We are so thrilled to bring Pow Wow Pitch back to the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. Every year we are so inspired by all the vendors and artists,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is so special to us and the origins of Pow Wow Pitch; we are so proud to continue this partnership for the ninth consecutive year. Together, we’re not just creating a platform for Indigenous entrepreneurs, we’re shaping a movement that champions Indigenous innovation and resilience.”

All Indigenous entrepreneurs that pitch will also be automatically entered into the Turtle Island (North American) Pow Wow Pitch competition and will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community. All pitchers will get access to a free Indigenous Startup Program, have the opportunity to have their products and services be considered to be featured in the annual Pow Wow Pitch Box and on Powwowmarket.ca, will receive a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA, and a 60-day free Shopify Trial.

Visit powwowpitch.org/summer-solstice to learn more and to pre-register to pitch.

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Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Invest Ottawa as a Seed Sponsor to support Indigenous entrepreneurs access training, mentorship, funding and a platform to showcase and celebrate their stories.

Pow Wow Pitch launched seven years ago at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Pow Wow, founded by local Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg entrepreneur Sunshine Tenasco, with the support of local mentors, judges and sponsors. 

In 2020, with pandemic cancellations of pow wows, Pow Wow Pitch moved online to reach hundreds of Indigenous entrepreneurs across every province and territory. This year, Pow Wow Pitch is scaling across Turtle Island, expecting more than 1,000 pitchers from across the continent. 

Pow Wow Pitch Founder Sunshine Tenasco and Invest Ottawa have a longstanding relationship to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in the National Capital Region; including, bootcamps, programs and mentorship services, and International Women’s Week (IWW) events as part of the Digital Main Street Future Proof Program delivered by Invest Ottawa.

Invest Ottawa is building on its relationship with Sunshine to extend its support to Pow Wow Pitch as an Indigneous-led community-driven initiative. 

“We are committed to becoming a better ally, supporting sustainable change, and empowering diverse entrepreneurs from every walk of life who drive our economic growth,” said Sonya Shorey, Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Communications, Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards and Area X.O. “We know the path to Truth and Reconciliation includes acknowledging the injustice and harm done to Indigenous people, past and present, and addressing the inequities that persist. We are honoured to collaborate with Sunshine and Pow Wow Pitch to support community-led action, and help fuel the growth and success of Indigenous entrepreneurs today and tomorrow.”

“I am so proud Invest Ottawa is supporting Pow Wow Pitch to reach and support more Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Having the hometown support of our community helps us stand taller as entrepreneurs so we can grow confidently knowing our community is rallying for the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs.”   

Invest Ottawa will help adjudicate the Ontario Semi-finals, provide the top 25 Finalists with an Accelerator workshop, and contribute prize dollars for winning entrepreneurs through this partnership. 

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