The partnership brought together Pow Wow Pitch’s community of Indigenous entrepreneurs and Invest Ottawa’s local expertise and resources to create a powerful platform for growth and recognition. The event blended mentorship, networking, and celebration, giving entrepreneurs the space to share stories, gain insights, and watch as Indigenous excellence was honoured on a national stage through the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.

Held in Ottawa, the event opened with a mentorship session featuring esteemed business leaders and community champions, including Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa; Cynthia Desjardins, Sr. Relationship Manager of Indigenous Markets and Not-for-Profit at RBC; Erin McLean, Branch Manager at RBC; Meagan Thompson, Director of Corporate Proposals at Altis Recruitment; and Katya Valiquette, Founder of KV Marketing. The mentors provided personalized guidance, expert insights, and encouragement, helping participants strengthen their confidence and business strategies.

These mentorship conversations were followed by the live watch party of the 2025 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, where participants gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of Indigenous business leaders from across Turtle Island.

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, hosted annually by Pow Wow Pitch, celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional innovation, leadership, and positive influence within their communities. By working alongside Invest Ottawa, this year’s event amplified the voices of Indigenous business owners in the region and strengthened the local support network available to them.

In the spirit of celebration, Pow Wow Pitch also hosted multiple giveaways throughout the evening of their Pow Wow Pitch Box and gifted entrepreneurs laptops and phones courtesy of Mastercard.

This collaboration between Pow Wow Pitch and Invest Ottawa reflects the growing movement to create space for Indigenous entrepreneurship. Together, they demonstrated that fostering inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem requires more than recognition, it requires meaningful collaboration and continued investment in community.

“Our collaboration with Invest Ottawa made this event a true celebration of community,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “It was incredible to see Indigenous entrepreneurs come together to share stories, receive mentorship, and celebrate the achievements of Indigenous business leaders from across Turtle Island. The evening showed what’s possible when we lift each other up, when mentorship, celebration, and cultural pride come together in one space. We were honoured to share that space with supporters like Invest Ottawa, whose generosity and partnership made the night so meaningful.”

“It was an absolute honour to celebrate the achievements and leadership of Indigenous entrepreneurs alongside Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa. “These entrepreneurs are not simply building businesses. They are strengthening community, fostering belonging, and creating the kind of lasting change that lifts all of us. Every conversation was filled with courage, creativity, and purpose. After more than six years of collaborating with Pow Wow Pitch, we remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from, support, and honour these remarkable leaders. They are shaping a more inclusive, vibrant future for our entire region, and we are committed to celebrating and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship in meaningful and enduring ways.”

About Pow Wow Pitch

Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of Mastercard and RBC. Our vision is to create 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. With a mission to provide resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.

About Invest Ottawa

Invest Ottawa is the lead economic development agency for knowledge-based industries in Canada’s Capital Region, facilitating economic growth and job creation in Ottawa. Guided by a vision to help realize Ottawa’s full potential as a globally recognized, innovative, inclusive, and future-ready city, Invest Ottawa delivers venture development, global expansion and talent programs and services that catalyze the growth and success of entrepreneurs and firms. These include small business training, mentorship, acceleration for technology firms, foreign business and investment attraction, local business retention and expansion in targeted sectors, commercialization and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life. Invest Ottawa also manages Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub and one-stop business acceleration shop; and, founder and operator of Area X.O, the R&D complex for next-gen smart mobility, autonomy, and connectivity technologies. Since 2017, Invest Ottawa has supported and delivered $3.7 billion in GDP impact, 29,343 jobs, and $622 million in government revenues.

For more information, visit investottawa.ca.

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IndigPro is an Indigenous owned digital marketing agency and is an award-nominated company renowned for their Indigenous digital marketing expertise. IndigPro is a leading example of uplifting Indigenous excellence and is dedicated to creating innovation and positive change to Indigenous communities.

IndigPro is set to support Pow Wow Pitch at Manito Ahbee Festival by contributing to the 1st Prize winnings with $20,000 in value digital marketing support and website development. This includes a thorough analytics setup as well as a tailored comprehensive marketing plan to equip the winner with everything they will need for a stellar website setup. Contributions to 2nd and 3rd place winners also include a $5,000 value brand development package.

In addition, IndigPro will also be present at Manito Ahbee Festival as mentors to the Top 10 pitchers, offering insight and expertise on how to strengthen pitches. Register now to enter your pitch for the Manito Ahbee Festival at powwowpitch.org/manito-ahbee/.

“Partnering with Indigenous powered enterprises is what we strive for at Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “IndigPro’s dedication to creating positive and impactful work to Indigenous entrepreneurs is exactly what we want to bring to our Pow Wow Pitch community. We are excited to see this partnership grow!”

“As Canada’s economy continues to evolve, it’s essential that we provide ample opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to succeed,” said Dwayne Bird, CEO of IndigPro. “We understand that starting a profitable, sustainable business is no easy feat, especially for those facing unique obstacles related to family, community, and culture. However, we are proud to be partners with Pow Wow Pitch as we work towards our shared goal of supporting and removing barriers to growth for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Our collaborative efforts will help build strong, vibrant brands that embody the spirit of winners.”

Join the ranks of Indigenous entrepreneurs converging to network, engage in lively fireside chats and sharpen your pitch skills at Neechie Nights in Winnipeg, sponsored by Mino Dawaa, an affiliate of IndigPro. On Friday, May 19th, 2023, you’re cordially invited to a special edition featuring Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. Don’t miss the opportunity to register via EventBrite and hone your pitch for the upcoming Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch event – an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

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May 15, 2023 | 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 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Program. 

Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2023 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.

Last year, ITAC supported a Virtual Creative Pitch, providing $2,500 grants, mentorship and training to nine creative Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Canada to commission mini-projects showcasing Indigenous-owned tourism businesses. The nine creative entrepreneurs moved on to pitch to win the Creative Prize Finals, a $15,000 grant for a larger commissioned Tourism project with ITAC. Mini-project recipient, Votan Henriquez, Founder of NSRGNTS placed 3rd in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals in the Creative category. 

“We need more Indigenous businesses in tourism, especially on reservations, to help tribes create their own tourism industry,” said Votan on his work with Thrive Tours in the mini-projects.

In addition, ITAC presented the Creative Award at the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards to Dan General, Founder & CEO of DJ Shub Inc. of Fort Erie, ON, providing the winner with a $10,000 Prize. 

This year, ITAC will be the lead-presenter of the Tourism Industry Pitch again and will also be contributing both virtual judges towards the virtual Pitch Competition and in-person judges attending live Pow Wow Pitch Competitions. 

“We are thrilled to welcome back ITAC into the Pow Wow Pitch family and to continue 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 delighted to return as a Silver Partner for Pow Wow Pitch and to help uplift creative and tourism entrepreneurs and work with a grassroots community,” said Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC. “As we continue to work toward recovery for the Indigenous tourism industry, it is vital we celebrate and support Indigenous creators who make stories and businesses happen from coast to coast to coast.”

***

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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Canada Post has pledged to support over 2,500 Indigenous Entrepreneurs with mentorship and training on how to optimize their shipping, e-commerce and marketing programs. The partnership with Canada Post will help Pow Wow Pitch scale its virtual programs and expand on-the-ground support across Canada.

Canada Post will support Indigenous entrepreneurs and small businesses via Pow Wow Pitch events, where staff experts serve as mentors, advisors and judges. Canada Post will also be available to answer questions related to shipping, e-commerce, logistics and marketing as part of the Pow Wow Pitch Indigenous Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp in June.

Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, said, “Canada Post shares our vision of empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs in cities and remote communities across Canada to use entrepreneurship for reclamation, community impact, and Indigenous-led economic growth. We are thrilled to partner with Canada Post for the fourth year to support Indigenous entrepreneurs who are starting and growing businesses.”

Danielle Doiron, General Manager, Marketing, at Canada Post, said, “As part of our commitment to investing in the success of small business and strengthening communities across Canada, including underserved northern and Indigenous communities, we are proud to once again sponsor Pow Wow Pitch. We are honoured to enable Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country and help them start and grow their businesses.”

Tales of Triumph small business contest

In addition to this ongoing partnership, Canada Post invites Indigenous entrepreneurs to share their story to win in the fourth Tales of Triumph small business contest. Your story could help you win one of five prizes, each valued at more than $100,000 in services, media and professional support to help you start your next chapter. Whether your business is just opening its doors, has the most loyal customers, or is finding ways to give back to the community and environment— Canada Post would love to hear about it. Applications close on May 12. Enter today.

About Pow Wow Pitch

Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs that provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering, and culturally supportive environment. The program enhances, develops, and accelerates the growth of 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 www.powwowpitch.org.

About Canada Post

Canada Post is the Canadian ecommerce delivery leader and the only delivery company to serve all 17.2 million addresses in urban, rural and remote locations across the country. The Corporation operates the country’s largest retail network of nearly 5,900 post offices and has almost 68,000 employees. By serving the changing needs of Canadians, helping Canadian businesses succeed, and leading on environmental and social issues, Canada Post is fulfilling its overarching purpose: A Stronger Canada – Delivered.

The post Canada Post and Pow Wow Pitch Partner for the Fourth Year to Uplift Indigenous Entrepreneurs Through Mentorship appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Last year Mastercard partnered with Pow Wow Pitch as a co-presenting sponsor for the first time, and the impact of their support was significant. 

More than a dozen members of the Mastercard team served as virtual mentors and judges, offering valuable insights to Indigenous entrepreneurs. Jennifer Sloan, Vice President of Policy at Mastercard, and Mansur Mirani, Vice President of the Mastercard Vancouver Tech Hub, also joined the Pow Wow Pitch Advisory Council and offered their expertise as judges. 

Mastercard’s support for Pow Wow Pitch went beyond mentorship and sponsorship. Via Mastercard Changeworks™  they provided crucial support for digital adoption through CanadaHelps and cybersecurity training as part of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Bootcamp. Additionally, Mastercard doubled the size of the Alumni Fund and presented two awards for the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards. These actions were instrumental in helping Indigenous entrepreneurs overcome the challenges of starting and scaling a business.

“At Mastercard, we are proud to invest in establishing and growing Pow Wow Pitch as a sustainable and scalable solution to foster Indigenous entrepreneurship and empowerment,” said Sasha Krstic, president of Mastercard in Canada. “Seeing the impact Pow Wow Pitch has had on Indigenous entrepreneurs is truly inspiring. We are excited to extend our partnership and continue the important work of empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

Through its investment in Pow Wow Pitch, Mastercard is helping to build the infrastructure and capacity necessary to support Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to continue our partnership with Mastercard! The company has been an incredible asset to Pow Wow Pitch and our Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “This support has enabled us to expand our impact and help even more Indigenous entrepreneurs realize their dreams of owning and operating successful businesses. We’re over the moon about the work we’ve accomplished together and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future. Here’s to continuing this epic journey with Mastercard by our side!”

By supporting Pow Wow Pitch and investing in its long-term success, Mastercard is contributing to the creation of a more equitable and prosperous future for Indigenous communities. This partnership serves as a model for how corporate 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 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.

Emilija Businskas, Vice President, Communications

Mastercard

emilija.businskas@mastercard.com

437-244-6282

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