As Pow Wow Pitch celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the organization has also set its sights on reaching new goals and expanding its reach. Creating a strategic plan is a milestone achievement for any organization, but for Pow Wow Pitch, it is a testament to its growth, commitment, and dedication to Indigenous entrepreneurship. This plan reflects years of learning, collaboration, and engagement with the community, ensuring that the organization remains aligned with the evolving needs of Indigenous business leaders. By establishing clear priorities and structured goals, Pow Wow Pitch strengthens its ability to provide long-term support, mentorship, and funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

At the heart of the strategic plan is Pow Wow Pitch’s vision: 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. This vision fuels the organization’s ambitious goal of funding $1 million annually to 100 Indigenous entrepreneurs, a transformative commitment that will accelerate business success and economic empowerment in Indigenous communities.

Strategic Imperatives to Drive Change

To achieve its mission of providing resources and mentorship while amplifying the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs to inspire future generations, Pow Wow Pitch has identified five key strategic imperatives:

Sustainable Funding Model – Developing a sponsorship-driven funding model, with additional support from government and alumni, to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Connected Communities – Strengthening the Pow Wow Pitch community by creating more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Strong Presence and Stories – Expanding the reach of Pow Wow Pitch through increased events, brand visibility, and storytelling to highlight the collective impact of Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Great Talent and Culture – Investing in a team with the right skills and expertise to support long-term growth and success.

Effective Governance – Establishing clear processes and roles to enhance transparency and ensure sustainable decision-making.

Guided by core values of respect, relationships, reciprocity, responsibility, love, courage, and fun, Pow Wow Pitch is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering ecosystem for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This plan calls on the entire Pow Wow Pitch community—including entrepreneurs, advisors, partners, government, and the general public—to play an active role in building a future where Indigenous businesses thrive.

“I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as we launch this strategic plan to guide Pow Wow Pitch’s next phase of growth, while celebrating 10 years of evolution from a sole proprietorship to a thriving non-profit organization. This plan reflects the collective wisdom, leadership, and dedication of our inaugural Board of Directors: the late Karen, alongside Jessica, Matthew, and Michaelee. Grounded in our shared values, this plan will help us empower more Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island by providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we are building a future where Indigenous entrepreneurs create lasting impact for generations,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch.

“This strategic plan marks an exciting and important milestone for Pow Wow Pitch. It sets a bold path forward, ensuring that we continue to grow and expand our reach to serve more Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. By focusing on sustainable funding, strengthening community connections, and amplifying the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs, we are building a solid foundation for long-term success. I am honoured to be part of this journey and look forward to working alongside our incredible community of partners and entrepreneurs to bring this vision to life,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch.

This strategic plan sets the stage for the next chapter of Pow Wow Pitch’s journey. By aligning resources, relationships, and storytelling with a focused mission, Pow Wow Pitch is poised to create an even greater impact, ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed and inspire future generations. The future of Indigenous entrepreneurship is bright—and Pow Wow Pitch is empowered to lead the way.

Learn more about us at powwowpitch.org/about.

–

Remembering Karen Green
As we look to the future, we also honour the life and work of our Vice-Chair, the late Karen Green, who has made her journey into the spirit world in January 2025. Karen’s leadership, wisdom, and dedication to Indigenous peoples were invaluable to Pow Wow Pitch and to everyone who had the joy of working with her in her many leadership roles. Her impact will be felt for generations and we are forever grateful for the profound contributions she made to our community.

The post Pow Wow Pitch Unveils 5 Year Strategic Plan to Propel Indigenous Entrepreneurship appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Indigenous entrepreneur Sunshine Tenasco, from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, first conceptualized Pow Wow Pitch after successfully pitching and raising capital from CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Drawing inspiration from her experiences, Sunshine introduced an Indigenous business pitch competition as part of a powwow at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in 2015.

Since its inception, Pow Wow Pitch has grown exponentially, impacting communities across Canada and the United States with the support and engagement of hundreds of volunteers and aligned partners, including presenting partners RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard.

In 2021, when Pow Wow Pitch became a non-profit organization to continue its commitment to advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship in a lasting and sustainable way, it installed a small custodial board Chaired by Founder Sunshine Tenasco and an establishment Advisory Council. Since then, the organization has scaled its partnerships, programming, and impact, and readied itself to hire its first employees. At the beginning of this year, Naomi Sarazin was appointed as the first Executive Director of the organization, and it was her priority to install its inaugural Board of Directors. 

Joining the Board of Directors are esteemed professionals and entrepreneurial leaders who bring a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to good governance and advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Karen Green, Lawyer, Policy Consultant and Governance Expert: Karen Green, a Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory lawyer, is a leading advocate for Indigenous rights, particularly for First Nations women and children. With a distinguished career at the Department of Justice, she held key positions, notably as Executive Director of the Federal Centre for Conflict Management. Karen’s influence extends to national levels; she served as CEO of the Native Women’s Association of Canada and authored the women’s chapter of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Report. Now a self-employed lawyer and policy consultant, she continues her impactful work. Karen’s extensive community service includes roles as President of the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start Program and of Kenhteke Midwives. As well as holding other  board positions in various organizations, reflecting her unwavering commitment to Indigenous issues.

“As I embark on this journey as a member of the Board of Directors of Pow Wow Pitch, I am enthused by its potential as a transformative tool for advancing social and economic equity among Indigenous communities through entrepreneurship,” said Karen. “With my extensive background in advocating for Indigenous rights and fostering inclusive policies, I aim to contribute a focus on good governance, organizational longevity, and sustainable and scalable strategies. I firmly believe that Pow Wow Pitch has immense potential to effect meaningful change and am eager to leverage my expertise to ensure its continued impact and success in fostering entrepreneurship and empowerment across Indigenous communities.”

Jessica Zhang-Chapman, CPA, CIA: Jessica, Professor in Accounting at Algonquin College and Founder of Tangram Consulting, brings 15 years of accounting, audit, tax and financial management expertise to the Pow Wow Pitch Board. With a CPA and CIA designation, she ensures financial stewardship and compliance. During her career with Welch LLP, Jessica served over 2,000 clients of varying sizes and industries. A sought-after speaker, she delivers webinars on Board governance and tax topics. Jessica is actively involved in community leadership. She serves on boards including the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and Women’s Economic Council. Recognized with Welch LLP HIO’s 2023 Employer Excellence Award, she champions diversity and inclusion in business.

“I am honoured to join the Board of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Jessica. “I deeply appreciate the openness of the Board for including me as a first-generation immigrant with non-Indigenous identity. I strive to be the conduit for connecting the organization with the diverse business community that I am part of. As a seasoned CPA specializing in nonprofits, I will contribute to building a robust financial system that meets regulatory compliance and prepares the organization for future growth. My commitment is to be a trusted CPA for the Board, the management, and Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

Matthew Nahdee, Co-Owner, Chatham-Kent Barnstormers: Matthew Nahdee, a Walpole Island First Nation member, former Professor at Fanshawe College and serial entrepreneur, is dedicated to advancing Indigenous initiatives. With a passion for startups and community development, he played a pivotal role in establishing Pow Wow Pitch’s Alumni Program. As a Board Director, Matthew aims to expand opportunities for Pow Wow Pitch Alumni. His involvement with impactful organizations like the Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre and the Walpole Island/Bkejwanong Trust demonstrates his commitment to Indigenous empowerment. 

“I am proud to be on the inaugural Board of Directors of Pow Wow Pitch, joining a high-functioning team of Indigenous people and committed allies,” said Matthew Nahdee. “Through social ventures, we can fulfill our Seven Generations philosophy, making life for our people more complete and the world more sustainable. I will bring my passion for social ventures to the organization as we work to advance Indigenous entrepreneurship in our own way.”

Michaelee Lazore, Founder and CEO of Sequoia Soaps: Michaelee Lazore, a member of the Kanien’kehá:ka tribe from Akwesáhsne and the Northern Paiute from Nevada, brings to the Board of Pow Wow Pitch, a distinguished 20-year entrepreneurial career. Michaelee’s Sequoia brand has become a hallmark of Indigenous entrepreneurship, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. As a Pow Wow Pitch Pitcher and Winner turned Judge, Mentor and Alumni, who started in her kitchen and scaled to global success, Michaelee will bring invaluable lived insights to the Pow Wow Pitch Board.

“As a former contestant and someone who has benefitted from Pow Wow Pitch opportunities, I have experienced just about everything our participants will go through,” said Michaelee. “My own personal business goals somewhat mirror Pow Wow Pitch’s in that desire to uplift and assist other Indigenous entrepreneurs and help them succeed. I want to give back to the organization that has given so much to me and my business.”

Each new Board Director will sit for a minimum term of 2 years, with early priorities to establish a 5-year strategy and outlook for the organization. 

“I am honoured these four deeply knowledgeable individuals have agreed to join me on Pow Wow Pitch’s inaugural Board of Directors,” shared Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “They are qualified leaders, each bringing their diverse expertise to provide strategic guidance and good governance as we advance our mission of empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island together. Welcoming Karen, Jessica, Matthew, and Michaelee to the Board of Directors marks a significant milestone for Pow Wow Pitch. I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as we launch into this next growth phase with their leadership.”

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.

The post Pow Wow Pitch Welcomes Inaugural Board of Directors appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.