November 9, 2023 | Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, co-presented by RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard in partnership with Export Development Canada and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, presented Trina Mather-Simard from Curve Lake First Nation with the ITAC Tourism Award at the Third Annual Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.

Trina was presented with the ITAC Tourism Award by Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. 

Trina Mather-Simard, a member of Curve Lake First Nation, has transformed Ottawa’s cultural landscape through Mādahòkì Farm. 

Situated on unceded Algonquin Nation territory, Mādahòkì Farm stands as a year-round agritourism gem, with thousands of visitors each year, preserving Ojibwe (O-jib-way) spirit horses and igniting economic prosperity through its Indigenous marketplace, culinary experiences, cultural education and community collaborations. 

As a trailblazing founder in the tourism sector, Trina champions authentic Indigenous experiences, forging a sustainable economic path. 

Trina’s visionary journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to Indigenous culture and sustainable tourism making Trina the ideal recipient of the Indigenous Tourism Association Tourism Award.

“I have lived and operated our organization, Indigenous Experiences, on the traditional unceded algonquin territory for over 25 years,” said Trina. “I am grateful to the organizers of pow wow pitch for this recognition and to all of their sponsors for making it possible. I am incredibly grateful for the strong team and community I have behind me at Indigenous Experiences and Mādahòkì Farm who share this honour, chi miigwetch.”

“We are honoured to celebrate the outstanding leaders in Indigenous entrepreneurship and tourism,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Congratulations, Trina, you are putting real Indigenous experiences on the map and we are so proud of your work to conserve culture, take up space, and support local Indigenous economies!”

To watch Trina’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.

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Pow Wow Pitch and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) are excited to announce the release of a new video series showcasing nine emerging Indigenous creative entrepreneurs who received $2,500 mini-grants to support Indigenous tourism businesses. This partnership between ITAC and Pow Wow Pitch is the first of its kind, highlighting the importance of Indigenous creativity in the growing tourism sector.

THE JOURNEY

In July 2022, nine creative entrepreneurs were selected from the semi-finalists of the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch competition and paired with nine Pow Wow Pitch tourism semi-finalists. From July to October 2022, the entrepreneurs supported the tourism businesses with various projects, including photography, logo design, promotional videos, animated ads, digital assets, and artistic creations connected to the land.

On November 3rd, ITAC awarded a $15,000 grant commission to the creative entrepreneur who impressed them the most with their mini-project. The winner was Eva Nicholas, Founder of Wabanaki Creations and Art, for her project entitled Oonamaki Roots in partnership with Under the Stump in Newfoundland & Labrador.

“I draw my inspiration from my love for my culture and my passion for sharing what is sacred,” said Eva Nicholas, 2022 Creative Pitch Winner, from We’koqmaq First Nation, Cape Bretton, Nova Scotia. “Creative professionals, artists and knowledge keepers are so important to the Indigenous tourism sector. Thank you for this opportunity for my business and to collaborate with another Indigenous entrepreneur to share my knowledge of the land and art.”

THE VIDEO SERIES 

As the summation of the pilot initiative, the launch of this 9-part video series is a celebration of the hard work and talent and an inspiring look at the potential of Indigenous tourism.

“We are proud to release this video series showcasing the hard work and creativity of these nine Indigenous creative entrepreneurs,” said Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC. “Their contributions have been invaluable in growing the Indigenous tourism sector, and we look forward to their continued impact. Thank you for your dedication and impact on the tourism businesses you supported.”

“Indigenous creative entrepreneurs have the power to transform industries, and this pilot program was a testament to the potential for collaboration and cooperation between Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are grateful to ITAC for trusting us with this important initiative, and we congratulate all of the creative and tourism entrepreneurs who participated with enthusiasm. You are each paving the way for others to follow.”

The nine-part video series showcasing the Mini-Projects can be found at powwowpitch.org/2022-creative-pitch.

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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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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, a grassroots initiative by and for Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced the opening of applications and nominations for the 2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement of Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada and the United States can apply or nominate others for their entrepreneurial perseverance, growth, impact, and example.

“As Indigenous entrepreneurs drive the growth of the Indigenous economy and use entrepreneurship to heal our people and communities, celebrate our diverse cultures, and leave good footprints for future generations to follow, these Awards recognize them as the leaders they are,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “The Awards are our opportunity to honour the wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth of the entrepreneurial icons of our generation, express our gratitude and create a platform to tell their stories of resilience and reconciliation through entrepreneurship.”

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards are presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, Meta, and Mastercard, with the support of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and Export Development Canada.

“Indigenous entrepreneurs are a powerful and fast-growing force in our country’s economy,” said Dale Sturges, National Director for Indigenous Financial Services at RBC. “Their contributions are strengthening communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast, and their innovation and resilience shines through each year in the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards. It’s an honour for RBC to support this year’s awards as we do our part to celebrate Indigenous innovations and share their inspiring entrepreneurial stories with Canadians at large.”

“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,” said  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.”

Applicants and nominees must reside on Turtle Island (Canada or the United States) and be Inuit, Métis, or First Nations. They may be an entrepreneur running any business in any industry, so long as they have been operating for a minimum of three years.

Applications and nominations close on June 21, 2022. Winners will be announced and celebrated during a digitally broadcast awards presentation on November 3, 2022.

In addition to the title, Winners receive a unique hand-crafted silver pin by Sapling & Flint, and a plaque encased with a limited edition signed print of ‘Red Rising,’ a beautiful art piece created by award-winning Indigenous artist Patrick Hunter.

For more information, to apply or nominate, visit: www.powwowpitch.org/awards/. 

To book an interview with Pow Wow Pitch Founder Sunshine Tenasco, 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.

The post Applications open for the 2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced a new partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) as a Silver Partner for its 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Program. 

Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2022 with mentorship, funding, training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, ITAC’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs for creative and tourism entrepreneurs, re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada.

ITAC will support a Virtual Creative Pitch, providing $2,500 grants, mentorship and training to ten creative Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Canada to commission mini-projects showcasing Indigenous-owned tourism businesses. The ten creative entrepreneurs will pitch to win the Creative Prize, a $15,000 grant for a larger commissioned Tourism project with ITAC, and to advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Finale for a chance to win the $25,000 Grand Prize. In addition, ITAC will present the Creative Award at the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, providing the winner with a $10,000 Prize. 

“We are thrilled to welcome ITAC into the Pow Wow Pitch family and join together to help shine the spotlight and provide innovative support to Indigenous creative and tourism entrepreneurs and businesses across Canada,” said Sunshine Tenasco, the Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “The partnership is an example of what can happen when Indigenous-led organizations collaborate, co-create and build capacity in the Indigenous-led economy in our own way.”

“We are so pleased to work with the Indigenous-led team at Pow Wow Pitch to provide important support to creative and tourism entrepreneurs,” said Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC. “As we begin our recovery for the Indigenous tourism industry, it is critical we include Indigenous creators to bring our vibrant Indigenous cultures to life from coast to coast to coast.”

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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. In addition, community leadership through volunteerism is promoted to reflect respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch. For more information, visit https://www.powwowpitch.org/.

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada 

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. Connect with ITAC on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. 

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