On September 9th, 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 Jason Lizotte, the Paddle Prairie Métis Founder of Nipiy Industries, a business based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Innovation Semi-Final Winner. Jason has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his 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, five Innovation 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 Na Sha, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services, Indigenous Markets at RBC; Maite Jacobson, Senior Benefits Specialist at Shopify; Mahdi Gokal, Market Development Manager at Mastercard; and Maxime Crawford, Senior Relationship Manager of Mid Market Business at EDC.

“I am so excited, grateful and proud to be given this opportunity,” shared Jason Lizotte, Founder of Nipiy Industries. “It’s been a lot of hard work establishing Nipiy and this is a great achievement to be selected for the finals. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us on our journey with this support. I know we can achieve great success together. Hiy Hiy.”

Nipiy Industries began in 2018 when Jason saw the opportunity to develop a new portable, self-contained, and solar powered hand-washing station for rural and remote communities. Jason’s Nipiy Washing Stations have been instrumental for providing access to safe and clean stations for industrial and construction sites. Some models even feature emergency safety showers and eyewash stations. Jason is proud to have patented his design and hopes to continue serving communities and providing eco-friendly solutions to meet the needs of rural and remote communities.

Jason pitched to win funds to conduct further research and upgrade Nipiy’s technology that will increase accessibility and user friendliness. 

“A few lessons I’ve learned are to be patient, surround yourself with mentors, and find a good support system,” reflected Jason. “Keep growing your network as much as possible and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

The judges congratulate Jason for his unique and innovative approach to solving a problem. The judges applaud Jason’s work ethic to make his idea into a reality and congratulate him on patenting his product.

“Congratulations Jason 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. “Jason’s dedication to developing innovative, eco-friendly solutions for rural and remote Indigenous communities is truly inspiring. His commitment to bringing advanced technology and ensuring access to clean and safe hand-washing stations to rural communities demonstrates his commitment to help keep businesses, families, and communities healthy. We look forward to spotlighting Jason and sharing more about Nipiy Industries with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.” 

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Innovation industry category. Felisha Crier-Hosein, Founder of PregZen, was recognized for her innovative product and passion to solve a solution for those who are postpartum, healing from surgery, or elderly with additional needs.

“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 Jason on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Jason’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Innovation Semi-Final episode, click here.

Jason 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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On July 30, 2022, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, Meta and Mastercard, announced Jason Lizotte, the Paddle Prairie Métis Owner and Founder of Nipiy Industries from Grand Prairie, Alberta, as the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Kamloopa Winner. Jason has won $5,000 and is advancing to the Finals for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his business.

More than 30 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Kamloopa Powwow in Kamloops, British Columbia, for their chance to win cash prizes and advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Finals. 

Co-Hosts Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch and Suzette Amaya, media and entertainment entrepreneur, emceed the action-packed program, 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 Friday, July 29th, judges Ryan Rogers, Marketing Director from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, George Casimir, General Manager of CFDC of CIFN, Devin Gambler, Business & Economic Development Manager at Tk’emlups de Secwepemc, Lynn-Marie Angus, Founder & CEO of Sister’s Sage, Kyle St Amour Brennan, Build Native Manager at Shopify, and Tracy Antoine, VP Indigenous Markets, BC Region, RBC, shortlisted the ‘Top 11’ entrepreneurs to advance to round two. 

The Top 11 were invited to join a special reception hosted by Tk’emlups Business & Economic Development and the CFDC of CIFN, where they had the opportunity to network with each other, the Pow Wow Pitch Team, local support partners, and major industry leaders. 

The following day, the Top 11 entrepreneurs were paired with mentors to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges Kyle St Amour Brennan, Build Native Manager at Shopify, Tracy Antoine, VP Indigenous Markets, BC Region at RBC, Mansur Mirani, VP of the Vancouver Tech Hub at Mastercard, Holly Atjecoutay, Director, Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, Futurpreneur and Debbie Reid, Indigenous Policy Manager at Meta. 

“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,” said First-Place Winner Jason Lizotte. “We came here to promote our company and to demonstrate that our new touchless, solar-powered wash stations are perfect for all events. It means a lot for us to be the Winner, to set an example, and to promote our product to the community.”

Jason’s business, Nipiy Industries, provides durable, self-sustaining and easy-to-use solar-powered water and wash stations for indoor and outdoor use.

The Second-Place $2,500 Prize Winner was Teresa Sanders, Founder and CEO of FILL Vernon, a refill store where customers decrease plastic use by filling their cleaning and hygiene products using their existing containers.

The Third Place $1,000 Winner was Ashley Michel, Founder and CEO of 4 Generation Creations, which provides high-quality fashion, accessible apparel and accessories and educational workshops and products to inspire and reconnect Indigenous people to their culture. 

The Youth Prize $500 Winner was 11-year-old fashion designer Cohen Quash, Founder and CEO of Mesdzih Eskiye CJRQ. The Fan Favourite $500 Winner was Charles Kruger, Founder and CEO of Kruger Outdoors Gear. 

“Congratulations to Jason on his Gold Ticket win to advance to the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Finals,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Nipiy Industries is an incredible business leading by example. We look forward to spotlighting and sharing Jason’s business with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing together.” 

“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 Dale Sturges, National Director for Indigenous Financial Services at 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.”

All those who pitched at Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch will receive a free .CA domain name courtesy of CIRA, a 60-day free Shopify trial, and will join the Pow Wow Pitch community for ongoing support.

“It was remarkable to take part in Pow Wow Pitch to watch such a talented and creative group of Indigenous entrepreneurs come together,” said Kyle St-Amour-Brennan, Build Native Indigenous Program Manager at Shopify. “Although this event has a competitive element, it was incredible to feel the energy and spirit of community and connection between the entrepreneurs and partners. The Build Native team with 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 a great opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs!”

“At Meta, we are thrilled to support Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and change in their communities,” said Debbie Reid, Indigenous Policy Manager at Meta. “Recognizing the importance of Indigenous voices and the limitless potential of Indigenous entrepreneurs is vital to the growth of the Canadian economy. We send our congratulations to Jason Lizotte on advancing to the next round and to all entrepreneurs who participated in Pow Wow Pitch.”

“At Mastercard, we’ve been truly inspired by the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch as they’ve demonstrated such innovative thinking and solutions,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “We are honoured to help support their continued success and see them grow. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Jason on advancing to the next round.”

“CFDCofCIFN wants to congratulate all the pitchers at this years Kamloopa pow wow pitch,” said George Casimir, General Manager of CFDC of CFIN. “There were so many amazing business ideas coming from the entrepreneurs. Congratulations to the winners and we hope to support everyone in the near future as you all develop your business ideas.”

Jason will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Finals to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 19, 2022. Visit www.powwowpitch.org for more information.

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