CFDC of CIFN’s investment is providing early stage Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to business development tools and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs by connecting them with necessary resources to further develop their businesses through financing, mentorship, and support.

In addition, CFDC of CIFN will also be present at Kamloopa Powwow as a Round 1 Judge and provide Mentors to the Top 10 pitchers, offering insight and expertise on how to strengthen pitches.

George Casmir, General Manager of CFDC of CIFN, expressed pride in the ongoing collaboration, stating, “CFDC of CIFN is proud to be partnering with Pow Wow Pitch for the third year in a row. We are committed to collaborating with the community on this initiative to support and spotlight Indigenous entrepreneurs in our community and to surround them with the tools, resources, financing, and ecosystem they need to start and grow thriving businesses. We look forward to supporting all the entrepreneurs who come out to pitch this year!”

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, echoed the sentiment of collaboration, emphasizing the shared vision to empower Indigenous entrepreneurship. “Collaborating closely with CFDC of CIFN, Pow Wow Pitch is proud to deepen our partnership within the Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive celebration of Indigenous ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, amplifying the voices of Indigenous creators, makers, and businesses as they forge innovative paths for their communities.”

By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, CFDC of CIFN aims to contribute to the creation of new opportunities for fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs and to uplift their scale. This partnership exemplifies how Indigenous-led 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 CFDC of CIFN

Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN) promotes and provides community economic development support services to Indigenous people within the Central Interior of British Columbia. To continue growing and flourishing as a corporation, they strive to uphold the business objectives, maintain program goals, methods, structure and assist with Indigenous Human Resource (in business-related services) and Skill Development, that reflect experience, needs and background of their clients and communities and remain linked to the overall economic, social, political and development of the Indigenous people.

For more information, visit cfdcofcifn.com.

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MINI TIPI is a Canadian lifestyle brand that operates and manufactures its products locally in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. With the purpose of addressing the lack of authentic Indigenous-designed textiles. MINI TIPI is a brand label that also collaborates with Indigenous artists to create exclusive designs ensuring proper representation in the textile industry. Through their artist royalty program and giveback initiatives, MINI TIPI became a leader in Indigenous designed textiles, artistic collaborations and community involvement.

Expressing enthusiasm for their involvement, Trisha Pitura, Co-Founder of MINI TIPI, shared, “MINI TIPI is super excited to be part of Pow Wow Pitch. We’ve actually pitched three times, participating as entrepreneurs. To see the progress we have made from the opportunities we’ve received from Pow Wow Pitch is unbelievable. We love and support everything that Pow Wow Pitch does for entrepreneurs to give them that space and stage to stand out, dream big, and tell their story.”

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, emphasized the significance of partnering with alumni, stating, “partnering with our Pow Wow Pitch Alumni is a marker of growth that we strive for at Pow Wow Pitch. We are so thankful to Trisha and Mélanie for giving back to the community in this way. MINI TIPI understands the importance of reciprocity and investing in future generations.”

At the upcoming Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, MINI TIPI will judge the first round of the competition and mentor the top 10 pitchers of the competition. Additionally, they will award the Fan Favorite prize to the winning entrepreneur. This partnership underscores MINI TIPI’s commitment to championing Indigenous entrepreneurship and fostering economic reconciliation in Canada.

“By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, MINI TIPI aims to contribute to the growing community of support for Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Mélanie Bernard, Co-Founder of MINI TIPI. “This partnership exemplifies how we can support Indigenous entrepreneurship and work towards economic reconciliation in Canada.”

Pow Wow Pitch and MINI TIPI invite everyone to join them in supporting the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs as they showcase their talent, innovation, and resilience at the Summer Solstice Pow Wow Pitch.

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 MINI TIPI

MINI TIPI is a Canadian brand which operates and manufactures its products locally in Gatineau, Canada with their team of eleven. Setting themselves apart by being leaders in creating authentic Indigenous designs and collaborating with Indigenous artists to create proper representation and celebrating Indigenous arts and cultures. Through their artist royalty program and giveback initiatives, MINI TIPI has become leaders in artistic collaborations, community involvement, and local manufacturing.

For more information, visit minitipi.ca.

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