Bee Bird, a member of Montreal Lake Cree Nation and the founder of Bee Productions Incorporated based in Regina, Saskatchewan, is using film, photography, writing, and storytelling to create space for Indigenous voices to be heard. Through his media company, Bee is building more than a creative business. He is creating opportunities for authentic representation, meaningful community storytelling, and connection through media.

Bee Productions Inc. provides a range of creative services, including video production, documentary filmmaking, photography, editing, podcast production, writing, and motivational speaking. What makes the company unique is its focus on culturally grounded storytelling, strong community relationships, and authentic representation. Bee founded the business to help people share their stories with dignity while creating opportunities for himself and other creatives in film and media.

“As an entrepreneur, I have transformed Bee Productions Inc. from an idea into a growing media company with a strong portfolio of films, photography, published writing, and community storytelling projects,” Bee shares. His work has earned recognition through the RBC Rock My Business Emerging Indigenous Entrepreneur Award, the Legacy Award through Pow Wow Pitch’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, and the Canadian Choice Awards. Bee was also named the City of Regina’s 2024 Indigenous Artist in Residence.

Through Bee’s projects, he continues to amplify Indigenous voices and document important community experiences. Bee’s work with the Indigenous Veterans Monument and his film Echoes of the Road Allowance, which highlights an important part of Métis history, are examples of how storytelling can preserve history while creating opportunities for greater understanding and representation.

Bee has also continued to strengthen his knowledge of the film industry and business. He was accepted into the Filmmakers in Indigenous Leadership and Management Business Affairs program, where he is developing his skills in film production and business affairs. Alongside his creative work, Bee has built partnerships, developed service packages, mentored emerging creatives, and continued working toward making Bee Productions a sustainable company that creates opportunities through storytelling.

Bee chose to apply to Pow Wow Pitch because he wanted to strengthen his business, gain recognition, and connect with people who understand the experiences of Indigenous entrepreneurs. The virtual Pow Wow Pitch program gave him encouragement and support while helping him feel more recognized and confident in the positive change that Bee and his company is creating for all communities and all future generations.

Being featured in Pow Wow Pitch’s From the Circle online publication was particularly meaningful for Bee. It gave him a platform to share his accomplishments, amplify Indigenous voices, and highlight projects that are important to him and his community. The experience reinforced the value of using storytelling to bring attention to histories, experiences, and voices that deserve to be heard.

Through the FILMBA program and Pow Wow Pitch, Bee has also benefited from mentorship. David Swan, film/video producer of NACCA, helped him refine his semi-final pitch and encouraged him to think more deeply about marketing, business growth, and how he communicates his value. Bee’s mentor also provided sample questions that judges might ask after his pitch, helping Bee prepare stronger responses and approach his presentation with greater confidence.

Bee offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Start with what you have, keep learning, and do not be afraid to ask for support.” He encourages entrepreneurs to build their businesses around something they care about and a problem they want to help solve. Understanding customers, costs, and the value a business provides can help create a strong foundation, while mentors, business programs, and other entrepreneurs can provide guidance along the way.”

Bee also believes that failure is part of success. “Every challenge offers an opportunity to learn, and skills developed outside of business can often become valuable in unexpected ways,” shared Bee. He encourages entrepreneurs to take advantage of free resources such as webinars, workshops, and business programs, noting how grateful he is for the learning opportunities provided by Pow Wow Pitch.

With Bee Productions Inc., Bee is showing how entrepreneurship and creativity can work together to strengthen community voices, preserve important stories, and inspire future generations. His journey is a reminder that Indigenous entrepreneurs can create their own paths forward by staying grounded in who they are, believing in their vision, and using their unique experiences to build something meaningful.

Watch Bee as he pitches Bee Productions Incorporated in the Creative category airing on September 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

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Since establishing NACCA’s National Capital Region office as Pow Wow Pitch’s headquarters in 2024, the partnership has created new opportunities for collaboration. Together, the organizations have hosted information sessions, engaged local communities through volunteer opportunities, and worked alongside NACCA’s ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch also continues to utilize ADAAWE’s studio space to produce educational content, including Tuesday Tips and the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast.

NACCA is supporting the Pow Wow Pitch community, sharing its expertise and leadership to advance Indigenous entrepreneurship. Team members, along with NACCA’s Indigenous Youth Business Advisory Council, will serve as mentors and judges throughout the virtual pitch competition and at live events across Canada, while NACCA’s CEO will continue to provide strategic guidance through Pow Wow Pitch’s Advisory Council.

Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of NACCA, shared: “At NACCA, we see Indigenous entrepreneurs as changemakers who are creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of Indigenous business. Our renewed partnership with Pow Wow Pitch helps fuel that momentum, connecting entrepreneurs to the resources, mentorship, and support they need to bring their visions to life and grow with confidence.”

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch added: “NACCA has been an important partner since nearly the beginning of Pow Wow Pitch, playing a vital role in helping us expand support for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada. This renewed multi-year partnership allows us to continue collaborating in meaningful ways, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to access mentorship, build connections, and grow their businesses.”

Together, Pow Wow Pitch and NACCA remain committed to fostering a strong network of Indigenous entrepreneurs and ensuring business owners have access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed.

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 NACCA

NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, is a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada. These efforts increase social and economic self-reliance and sustainability for Indigenous people and communities nationwide. IFIs have provided nearly 55,000 loans totaling more than $3.56 billion to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit-owned businesses. NACCA celebrates 30 years in 2026. 

For more information, visit nacca.ca.

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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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On September 5th, 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 Andrew Dutcher, the Neqotkuk Founder and Author of Big-Hearted Parenting, a business based in Calgary, Alberta, as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Knowledge Services Semi-Final Winner. Andrew 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, eleven Knowledge Services 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 Katelyn Lawson, Commercial Relationship Manager of Indigenous Banking at RBC; Akshata Rajendra Raikar, Software Engineer II at Mastercard Canada; Relay Tangie, Director of Finance at NACCA; and Althea Wishloff, Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.

“I am so grateful that Pow Wow Pitch is going to be part of my journey of growing Big-Hearted Parenting, helping Indigenous families, and showing that every child mmatters,” said Dr. Andrew Dutcher, Founder of Big-Hearted Parenting. “I will use the winnings from Pow Wow Pitch to market Big-Hearted Parenting across Canada and help all the big-hearted parents learn how to yell less and connect more.”

Dr. Andrew Dutcher is a licensed child and adolescent psychiatrist working with Indigenous youth and children in the welfare system. He is a published author of his first selling book ‘Big-Hearted Parenting,’ a guide to yelling less and connecting more to foster and restore relationships between parents and children. Big-Hearted Parenting is also growing on social media to spread Andrew’s message to keep families together and children out of Canada’s welfare system by equipping parents with the tools to improve relationships, create loving homes, and end cycles of intergenerational trauma.

Andrew pitched to win funds to expand their social media efforts and marketing, record an audio book of ‘Big-Hearted Parenting’, and launch online courses for parents to learn how to yell less and connect more. 

“I think Indigenous entrepreneurs need to dream big and realize they have a valuable solution that could change the world,” expressed Andrew, echoing empowerment for fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

The judges congratulate Andrew for his great work in presenting his business, how he plans to expand Big-Hearted Parenting’s impact and for his incredible work in helping families connect and grow together. 

“Congratulations Andrew 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. “Big-Hearted Parenting is doing important work to end cycles of intergenerational trauma and healing bonds within Indigenous families. At a time when there are more Indigenous children in the child welfare system than there were at the height of Residential Schools, it’s critical to support initiatives like this. We look forward to spotlighting Andrew and sharing more about Big-Hearted Parenting with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.” 

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Knowledge Services industry category. Gretchen Sands Gamble, Founder of Woodland Craft Barn, was recognized for her initiative to create a space within her community of Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation) to come together and share knowledge.

“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 Andrew on advancing to the next round.”

To watch Andrew’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Knowledge Services Semi-Final episode, click here.

Andrew 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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NACCA, a leading advocate for Indigenous economic development, is stepping up its support for Pow Wow Pitch as a Silver-Level Sponsor, increasing support to help Indigenous people start businesses.

As part of their partnership, NACCA is set to become the official headquarters of Pow Wow Pitch and within the National Capital Region, NACCA’s ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub will serve as the primary partner for Pow Wow Pitch–collaborating to co-host the Ottawa Summer Solstice Pow Wow Pitch–showcasing a united front in empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of NACCA, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Embracing collaboration with Pow Wow Pitch contributes to our efforts to promote Indigenous entrepreneurship. This partnership enables NACCA and our Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) to reach and support more Indigenous entrepreneurs to start and grow thriving businesses.”

Additionally, NACCA will engage its team members as mentors, advisors, and judges for virtual pitch competitions and on-the-ground events at powwows across Canada. Furthermore, NACCA’s CEO will serve on Pow Wow Pitch’s Advisory Council to guide its growth.

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, echoed the sentiment: “Our partnership with NACCA signifies a unified approach to expanding Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada.”

As both organizations continue to align their efforts, the stage is set for meaningful progress in advancing Indigenous-led businesses. 

For further details about Pow Wow Pitch and NACCA, please visit powwowpitch.org and nacca.ca, respectively.

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 NACCA

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association is a Canada-wide network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions. NACCA stimulates economic growth and financial sovereignty for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people by promoting and underwriting Indigenous business development. As a powerful lending force in Canada, NACCA’s network has delivered over 50,000 loans—worth about $3 billion—to small and medium First Nations, Métis and Inuit businesses across Canada over 30 years. For more information, visit nacca.ca. 

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Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2023 with mentorship, funding, training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, NACCA’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs, re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada and scale its programming to support Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island.

This year, NACCA will support Pow Wow Pitch as a Silver-Level Sponsor and engage its employees as mentors, trusted advisors, and judges for virtual pitch competitions and on the ground at pow wows across Canada. In addition, NACCA’s CEO, Shannin Metatawabin, will serve on Pow Wow Pitch Advisory Council to steward Pow Wow Pitch as it grows, and Pow Wow Pitch’s Founder.

“Pow Wow Pitch and NACCA are both dedicated to expanding Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada through a unified, Indigenous-led business ecosystem,” said Sunshine Tenasco, the Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are grateful for NACCA’s continued and multi-year support as we work together to scale opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and integrate Pow Wow Pitch more closely into NACCA’s network of Indigenous Financial Institutions. Together, NACCA and Pow Wow Pitch are growing the ecosystem.”

“Pow Wow Pitch has demonstrated the importance of celebration and providing a platform to encourage Entrepreneurship,” said Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of NACCA. “Partnering with Pow Wow Pitch, which is a powerful platform at the top of the funnel of Indigenous entrepreneurs into the business ecosystem, makes a lot of sense, so that NACCA and our Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) can provide follow-on support to support them along their journey. This multi-year agreement is a good step forward in creating an integrated ecosystem driving the future of Indigenous-led entrepreneurial growth.” 

***

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 powwowpitch.org.

About NACCA 

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association is a Canada-wide network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions. NACCA stimulates economic growth and financial sovereignty for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people by promoting and underwriting Indigenous business development. As a powerful lending force in Canada, NACCA’s network has delivered over 50,000 loans—worth about $3 billion—to small and medium First Nations, Métis and Inuit businesses across Canada over 30 years. For more information, visit nacca.ca

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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced a new partnership with NACCA as a Silver Partner for its 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Program. 

Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2022 with mentorship, funding, training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, NACCA’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs, re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada and scale its programming to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in the United States and New Zealand.

This year, NACCA will support Pow Wow Pitch as a Silver-Level Sponsor and engage its employees as mentors, trusted advisors, and judges for virtual pitch contests and on the ground at pow wows across Canada. In addition, NACCA’s CEO, Shannin Metatawabin, will serve on Pow Wow Pitch Advisory Board to steward Pow Wow Pitch as it grows, and Pow Wow Pitch’s Founder, Sunshine Tenasco, will support NACCA Indigenous Business Hub entrepreneurs to start-up businesses through mentorship and workshops. 

“NACCA and Pow Wow Pitch share a commitment to growing the number of Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada and surrounding them with support through a coordinated and collaborative Indigenous-led enterprise development ecosystem,” said Sunshine Tenasco, the Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are delighted to partner with NACCA to support Indigenous entrepreneurs to start-up businesses grounded in and grow with Indigenous values and Indigenous-led supports.”

“Pow Wow Pitch has demonstrated the importance of celebration and providing a platform to encourage Entrepreneurship.  NACCA welcomes the opportunity to work with Pow Wow Pitch to positively impact our community,” said Shannin Metatawabin, CEO, NACCA.

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 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 powwowpitch.org/.

About NACCA 

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association is a Canada-wide network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions. NACCA stimulates economic growth and financial sovereignty for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people by promoting and underwriting Indigenous business development. As a powerful lending force in Canada, NACCA’s network has delivered over 50,000 loans—worth about $3 billion—to small and medium First Nations, Métis and Inuit businesses across Canada over 30 years. 

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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, Meta and Mastercard, announced the opening of its eighth annual Pow Wow Pitch competition to Inuit, Métis and First Nations entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. 

Through Pow Wow Pitch, Indigenous vendors, artists and entrepreneurs from Canada and the United States can pitch their businesses and business ideas virtually and live at pow wows and Indigenous festivals for their chance to join the Pow Wow Pitch Accelerator program and win more than $200,000 in cash prizes.

“Pow Wow is a place to meet, dance, sing, honour our culture and trade,” said Pow Wow Pitch Founder, Sunshine Tenasco. “Indigenous people have the ideas to make a difference in their communities, and Pow Wow Pitch is our platform to support one another as a community.”

How it works

Virtual: Between April 6th and June 21st, Indigenous entrepreneurs can submit a 1-minute video business pitch at www.powwowpitch.org/pitch as their entry into the Pow Wow Pitch Competition, or they can sign up and pitch live on Instagram through InstaPitch. Pow Wow Pitch will shortlist the top 80 Indigenous entrepreneurs as semi-finalists to receive mentorship, pitch training and compete in the virtual semi-final broadcasts for their chance to win $60,000 cash prizes and advance to the Grand Finale in October. 

In-Person: Pow Wow Pitch will also be on-site for Indigenous entrepreneurs to pitch live at the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg on May 21st, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in Ottawa on June 25th, and other major Indigenous powwows and festivals across Canada and the United States.  Entrepreneurs can pitch their business or idea for one minute to win cash prizes and advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. 

The Finals: On October 19th, the top entrepreneurs from the virtual and live semi-finals will pitch to a panel of judges at the Grand Finale for the chance to win the top prizes: Alumni Prize ($5,000), People’s Choice Prize ($5,000), 3rd Prize ($5,000), 2nd Prize ($10,000), and 1st Prize ($25,000).  

All entrepreneurs who enter the pitch competition will join the Pow Wow Pitch community, get access to a free Indigenous Startup Program, access more than $1,000 worth of free technology, tools and support, and have the chance to have their products and services featured in the Pow Wow Pitch annual Mailer Box to 2,500 customers and on the Pow Wow Pitch Marketplace launching later this year for socially-conscious customers looking to ‘Buy Indigenous.’

Last year’s Winner, Smudge the Blades, used the competition to grow awareness and forge new collaborations. 

“Winning Pow Wow Pitch helped me get traction with major sports stores and distribution partners across Canada, gain coverage in news articles and Sportsnet, led to awesome collaborations with NHL Teams like the Edmonton Oilers, with new plans to work with the Shopify Build Native Team to revamp our website,” said Harlan Kingfisher, Founder of Smudge the Blades. “Through Pow Wow Pitch, I found friends and feel famous-even. People are recognizing the brand and me, which is helping us grow! It was an incredible experience and an amazing community.”

Powered by Partnerships 

To scale the Indigenous-led pitch competition across Turtle Island, Pow Wow Pitch is working with industry leaders who believe in the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship. RBC, Shopify, Meta and Mastercard have signed on with significant multi-year support as Co-Presenting Sponsors of the initiative to allow Pow Wow Pitch to rise to its ambition to support every Indigenous entrepreneur.

“Shopify aims to bring more voices to entrepreneurship, and Pow Wow Pitch allows Indigenous entrepreneurs from all stages and intersections to share their dreams, beliefs, culture, and expressions of economic self-determination,” says  Kyle St-Amour-Brennan, Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program Manager at Shopify. “Pow Wow Pitch has built one of the greatest Indigenous entrepreneurial showcases anywhere, and we’re privileged and excited to continue our ongoing partnership and shared mission to empower more Native entrepreneurs from communities everywhere.”  

“Indigenous entrepreneurs drive innovation and change in their communities and across Canada,” said Garrick Tiplady, VP and Country Director at Meta in Canada, “We are proud to continue supporting Pow Wow Pitch and their incredible community of entrepreneurs through educational resources and funding.” 

“At Mastercard, we are committed to fostering an inclusive economy that benefits everyone, including the Indigenous community,” said Sasha Krstic, president of Mastercard in Canada. “We recognize that Indigenous entrepreneurs face disproportionate barriers and, in partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, we are proud to address some of their unique barriers and challenges to help amplify the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country.”

For the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Season, Pow Wow Pitch is also supported by Silver Sponsors BDC, Canada Post, Export Development Canada, Futurpreneur, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Jelly Academy and NACCA, in collaboration with Seed Sponsors Best Buy, CIRA, MITACS, MNP, Sklar Wilton & Associates and the Women Entrepreneurs Knowledge Hub. 

“Entrepreneurship is an important tool supporting reconciliation, and it takes all hands on deck to support Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Tenasco. “We are proud to continue our relationship with RBC, Shopify and Meta and kick-start our partnership with Mastercard as we build an ecosystem for Indigenous-owned vendors, startups and entrepreneurs.”

To learn more about the 2022 Pow Wow Pitch competition, visit www.powwowpitch.org/pitch/. 

To book an interview with Pow Wow Pitch Founder Sunshine Tenaco, or for more information, please contact hello@powwowpitch.org.

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 challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances growth through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted as a reflection of respect and reciprocity. For more information, visit www.powwowpitch.org.

About RBC Indigenous Financial Services Group

For more than 100 years, RBC has been building relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. We are committed to serving Indigenous governments, communities, organizations, businesses and individuals by creating opportunities for sustainable economic development through access to banking and capital, and individuals. RBC also provides donations and grants that support Indigenous interests. More information at rbcroyalbank.com/indigenous.

 About Shopify

Shopify is a leading global commerce company, providing trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. Shopify makes commerce better for everyone with a platform and services that are engineered for reliability, while delivering a better shopping experience for consumers everywhere. Proudly founded in Ottawa, Shopify powers over 1.7 million businesses in more than 175 countries and is trusted by brands such as Manitobah Mukluks, Cheekbone Beauty, Sisters Sage, Herbraids, Tania Larsson, and many more. For more information, visit www.shopify.com. 

About Meta

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology.

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.

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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced NACCA – the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association – is expanding its support as a Seed-Level Sponsor to help nurture the ecosystem and grow the funnel of Indigenous-owned businesses. 

According to a recent RBC report, Indigenous businesses contribute more than $30 billion to Canada’s economy, with the Indigenomics Institute forecasting this will grow to $100 billion within five years. In large part, Indigenous entrepreneurs will drive this growth, starting businesses five times the national average, with Indigenous women starting businesses twice the rate as non-Indigenous women. 

The rise of Indigenous entrepreneurs will strengthen economic recovery, regional growth, job creation, and reconciliation. 

However, according to NACCA, Indigenous entrepreneurs report a lack of support, with less than 20 percent having accessed capital from financial institutions. Tailored programming for Indigenous entrepreneurs to startup and scale remains limited, fragmented, and fails to provide the trusted community and infrastructure necessary to generate real-entrepreneurial momentum. 

Pow Wow Pitch launched seven years ago as a grassroots pitch contest for vendors at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Pow Wow. Last year, Pow Wow Pitch moved online due to pandemic lockdowns and attracted record-number participation from Inuit, Metis and First Nations entrepreneurs across Canada. 

“Small businesses make up 71% of all jobs in Canada, and Indigenous People have a huge opportunity to participate”, said Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of NACCA. “That’s why NACCA is proud to support Pow Wow Pitch as a unique way to build excitement, interest and awareness of entrepreneurship as a career option while building an ecosystem to support Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

This year, Pow Wow Pitch has expanded with an Indigenous Startup Program, a more robust Mentorship Program, a Podcast Series, Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, and is opening up the Pitch contest to Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island to include the United State. 

“I would like Pow Wow Pitch to be a beacon of Indigenous entrepreneurship and to support Indigenous entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, inspiration, funding and a supportive and trusted ecosystem from start to scale,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Anishnabeg Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Our partnership with NACCA is an important step in connecting Pow Wow vendors and Indigenous entrepreneurs with Aboriginal Financial Institutions to build a path for growth.”

Mr. Metatawabin will join the Pow Wow Pitch Advisory Board supporting the growth ambitions of the Indigenous-led grassroots initiative. NACCA will support Pow Wow Pitch by partnering on webinars, engaging employees as mentors and adjudicators, and contributing prize dollars for winning entrepreneurs.

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