Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, a Tech 4 Youth Grant recipient and 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Finalist, is transforming the world of youth athletics through Reverence Basketball, a training business based in West Kelowna, British Columbia. Kaleb is a member of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band and is on a mission to give Indigenous athletes the training, visibility, and belief they need to succeed, both on and off the court.

Reverence Basketball was born from Kaleb’s own journey as an Indigenous athlete who often lacked access to elite training. “I carried the weight of wanting something more, mentorship, guidance, and a pathway to the next level. That gap is what motivated me to start Reverence Basketball,” he shares. Today, the program has grown into a thriving platform offering weekly academies, private and semi-private workouts, community camps, and guidance through film, mentorship, and scholarship support.

Kaleb’s proudest accomplishment is seeing Reverence evolve beyond himself. “In less than a year, it’s become a space where athletes build skill, confidence, and leadership, and where Indigenous youth can see their identity celebrated,” he reflects. Partnerships with colleges, community camps, and the successes of young athletes are proof that Reverence is more than basketball, it’s a movement rooted in youth stories and of belonging to the community.

One of the biggest lessons Kaleb has learned is the power of relationships. While he initially thought building a program would be all about systems and strategy, he quickly realized that mentors, community connections, and the athletes themselves are the foundation of Reverence’s success. “The mentors who’ve guided me, the communities who’ve opened their doors, and the athletes who’ve trusted me are the relationships that have shown me growth doesn’t happen in isolation. They’ve become the foundation for where Reverence is headed and the proof that I know this work will last,” he notes.

Recent technology upgrades, provided through the Tech 4 Youth Grant and Best Buy Canada, have been game-changers for Kaleb. A new camera and computer allow him to capture and edit footage on the go, telling the stories of athletes and communities who deserve to be seen. “With every video, highlight, and story we share, we’re not just training players, we’re building visibility and opportunity that can change lives,” he explains.

Kaleb’s advice to young entrepreneurs is grounded in his experience, “Start with your story. Your lived experience, community, and perspective are your greatest strengths, they set you apart in ways no one else can copy. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready.’ Take that first step, lean on your community, and keep moving forward even when it feels uncertain.”

Kaleb Montgomery-Reid’s journey with Reverence Basketball is a testament to what can be achieved when passion, identity, and community come together. By empowering young athletes and leveraging their strengths, he is proving that business can be both a pathway to personal success and a gift back to the people who shaped you.

Explore Kaleb’s journey with Reverence Basketball here. Learn more about the Tech 4 Youth Program here.

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In 2022, Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy launched the Tech 4 Youth program, equipping young Indigenous entrepreneurs with essential technology to support their entrepreneurial journey. As the primary partner for the Pow Wow Pitch Youth category, Best Buy fosters the growth of these aspiring business leaders by providing mentorship to help them refine their one-minute pitches for a chance to win cash prizes. 

The Tech 4 Youth program welcomed applications from Pow Wow Pitch Alumni aged 21 years and under, from across Canada, demonstrating Best Buy’s strong commitment to supporting each of their entrepreneurial journeys and nurturing a vibrant future where they can thrive. Their entrepreneurial ventures span a wide range of creative, technology, and educational fields, each deeply rooted in community impact. Each youth will be equipped with new technology to elevate their businesses, highlighting the diversity of Indigenous entrepreneurship in our next generation of Indigenous changemakers.

Meet the 2025 Tech-4-Youth Recipients

Mackenzie Labby, Founder of Grey Wolf Crafts from Swan River First Nation, residing in Calgary, AB, creates handcrafted jewelry, ribbon skirts, and has plans to expand her inventory with new items and designs. Mackenzie is receiving an Apple iPhone 16 and an Apple MacBook Pro to grow her content making and allow her to build a website.

Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, Founder of Reverence Basketball from Lower Similkameen Indian Band, residing in West Kelowna, BC, leads and facilitates basketball training, coaching, and mentorship to youth athletes and connects them to a growing network of support. Kaleb is receiving an Apple MacBook Pro and a Sony Alpha ZV-E10 Camera to produce high quality content and support his storytelling initiatives that gain exposure for athletes in his program.

Kylie Landry-Zoe, Co-owner of Bebia Cho Foods Co. from Deh gah Gotie Dene First Nation and residing in Kelowna, BC, operates her family-run business with her parents that provides nutritious dried snacks to her community. Kylie is receiving an Apple iPhone 16e, Dell Laptop, Selfie stick, and wireless microphone to jumpstart their online presence and to help facilitate orders.

Anthony Theirault, Co-Founder of eleven59, a Red River Métis member and residing in Winnipeg, MB, is innovating the way students manage and stay on track of deadlines with the app that he and his business partner created. Anthony is receiving an Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple MacBook Pro to complete the development of their application and make it accessible to Apple product users.

“We are deeply grateful to Best Buy Canada for supporting Indigenous youth through the Tech 4 Youth program,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This partnership provides young entrepreneurs with the tools, confidence, and resources they need to bring their business visions to life. Congratulations to Kaleb, Mackenzie, Kyle, and Anthony! We are so excited to see how each of you will use the technology to grow your businesses, strengthen your communities, and carry your ideas forward with creativity and purpose.”

“At Best Buy Canada, we believe in the power of technology to open doors and create opportunities,” said Karen Arsenault, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability at Best Buy Canada. “Through the Tech 4 Youth program, we are honoured to support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs as they pursue their dreams and build businesses that will have a lasting impact in their communities. We are inspired by their creativity and vision for the future, and we’re proud to play a part in their entrepreneurial journey.”

To watch the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Finals, click here.

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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 and Mastercard, announced Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, the Lower Similkameen Indian Band Founder of Reverence Basketball, a business based in West Kelowna, BC, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Final Winner. Kaleb has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow their business.

More than 130 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) were selected as Semi-Finalists in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch. Each received training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges, competing for the chance to advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. Five Youth Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their organizations and community initiatives in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.

Judges included Kayla Neveu-Gordon, Manager of Accessibility Enablement at RBC; Urvashi Kalson, Manager of Product Integration at Mastercard; Gillian Martin, Category Director at Best Buy Canada; and Destinee Peter, National Indigenous Youth Business Advisory Council Member at NACCA.  

“I want to thank my family, mentors, and community for always supporting me, and especially the youth who trust me with their growth,” said Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, Founder of Reverence Basketball. “They’re the reason I built Reverence in the first place. I also want to thank Pow Wow Pitch for creating a platform that not only celebrates Indigenous entrepreneurs but inspires us to think bigger about the impact we can make.”

Kaleb Montgomery-Reid, founder of Reverence Basketball, is a proud Indigenous coach, mentor, and player development specialist committed to supporting youth and athletes through empowerment, high-standard training rooted in community values. Based in the Okanagan, Kaleb blends basketball methodology learned from elite trainers with mentorship and accessibility, especially for athletes in smaller towns who lack consistent access to elevated resources. Through Reverence Basketball, he offers personalized coaching, structured memberships, film breakdowns, and take-home workouts so that growth continues beyond the gym. Reverence focuses on fostering discipline, legacy, and character alongside skill.

In his pitch, Kaleb shared plans to invest in Reverence Basketball by building an athlete media library to showcase and promote those who go through his programs, conducting specialized skills development and training workshops, and growing his mentorship program to support youth on and off the court. He emphasized offering resources to underserved and remote communities, creating free or subsidized spots for Indigenous youth, and ensuring mentorship opportunities include honorariums and leadership for community members. Through these efforts, Kaleb aims to expand the impact of Reverence Basketball, raising visibility for emerging athletes and creating sustainable pathways for success and belonging.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your story is your strength,” shared Kaleb. “I started Reverence because I knew what it felt like to grow up without access to high-level training or guidance. My advice to other Indigenous entrepreneurs is to lean into what makes your journey unique, your community, your roots, and your perspective are powerful assets that no one else can replicate.”

The judges appreciated Kaleb’s inspiring pitch, clear vision, and dedication to supporting youth through mentorship and guidance. They were especially impressed by his commitment to community impact and his thoughtful plan for funding, noting the strong potential of Reverence Basketball to create meaningful opportunities for young athletes.

“Congratulations to Kaleb on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are so proud to see Indigenous youth stepping up, taking the lead, and making such meaningful impacts in their communities. Through Reverence Basketball, Kaleb is not only developing athletes’ skills but also nurturing confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Seeing young people like him use their experience and passion to lift others up is exactly why we celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship, creating opportunities, strengthening community, and leaving a lasting legacy.”

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Youth industry category. Anthony Theriault and Todd de Groot, Co-Founders of eleven59, were recognized as a great duo who came well prepared with impressive marketing points such as beta testing and a clear vision to make a big impact within their community and age group.

“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous changemakers who are making a meaningful impact through their passion, creativity, and determination,” said Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins. “We are so inspired by all the participants and semi-finalists – their ingenuity and perseverance to bring their innovative ideas to life is truly commendable. At RBC, we are committed to supporting their entrepreneurial journey and celebrating their successes.”

“The talent and determination showcased by this year’s Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have been nothing short of inspiring,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada. “Our team at Mastercard works closely with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to break down barriers and create new opportunities for growth and economic prosperity across Canada. Congratulations to all the pitchers for sharing their ideas and stories, and a special congratulations to Kaleb Montgomery-Reid for advancing to the next round.”

To watch Kaleb’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Youth Semi-Final episode, click here.

Kaleb will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 22, 2025. Register to watch the 2025 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.

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