On September 11th, 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 K’odi, Haida & Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation Founder of First-ory, a business based in Vancouver, BC, as the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Technology Semi-Final Winner. K’odi 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. Eleven Technology 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 Crystal Brummell, Senior Digital Product Owner at RBC; Thomas Ko, Director of Software Engineer at Mastercard; Zachary Pashe, Coordinator at ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub; Althea Wishloff, Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners; and Maddy Poupore, UX Manager at CIRA.

“I’d like to thank so many people,” said K’odi Taylor, founder of First-ory. “Especially the fluent speakers who helped me with the language work. To my very first customers for taking a chance on me and believing in my dream. Most of all I want to thank my friend Lisa Marks. No one has done as much for me and my company as she has and she consistently tries to downplay her contribution whenever I try to acknowledge her or give her credit. I can’t express properly how much your help has meant to me.”


K’odi Taylor, founder of First-ory, is a passionate advocate for Indigenous language revitalization and cultural education. Based in British Columbia, K’odi created First-ory to offer immersive and accessible language learning tools rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. The platform blends technology, storytelling, and community-led teaching to reconnect people with their ancestral languages. With a strong foundation in both traditional culture and modern innovation, First-ory offers interactive tools, digital content, and culturally relevant learning experiences designed to support learners at every stage. K’odi’s mission is to help as many Indigenous people as possible learn their native tongue and reconnect with the ancestral language foundations that hold generations of identity, ceremony, and strength.

In his pitch, K’odi shared plans to use the funding to take Firstory to the next level. A portion of the funds will go toward hiring a professional CEO to help develop a strategic business plan and scale the platform with sustainability and impact in mind. The remainder will be used for targeted marketing to grow awareness and reach more communities. K’odi also emphasized the business’ deep commitment to community impact: a portion of every sale will be set aside to offer discounts for those in need, provide hands-on training to Indigenous learners and educators, and launch research-based campaigns to further language preservation efforts. Through Firstory, K’odi is building more than a business, he is creating a movement rooted in healing, empowerment, and the survival of Indigenous languages for generations to come.

K’odi shared the following advice for aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, “Don’t wait till you’re ready to start. You only become ready in retrospect after you’ve already been doing it. Have a goal, dream, or mission. Start and then figure it out as you go.”

The judges appreciated his clear and confident pitch, strong passion for the business, and the impressive traction he has already demonstrated with $100K in revenue. They were impressed by his ability to address questions effectively and saw great potential for further growth, especially with expanded marketing and visibility efforts.

“Congratulations to K’odi on advancing to the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through First-ory, K’odi is showing us that language revitalization is more than education, it is healing, empowerment, and community. Our languages hold our stories, our identity, and our way of life, and K’odi’s passion and innovation are helping ensure they thrive for generations to come. Through language preservation and revitalization, we are so proud to celebrate K’odi’s vision and the movement he is building to strengthen not only his Nation, but all Indigenous peoples.”

Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Technology industry category. Brooke Woboditsch, Founder of ScribeWire, the judges appreciated her enthusiastic delivery, heartfelt story, and the important work she’s doing to support accessibility and Indigenous language preservation through technology. They were especially moved by her commitment to continuing her family’s legacy and recognized the strong community need for her business.

“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 K’odi Taylor for advancing to the next round.”

To watch K’odi’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Technology Semi-Final episode, click here.

K’odi 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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Erin Belch, Founder of The Belching Barista and a proud member of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, is bringing people together over a shared love of coffee. Based in Waterford, Ontario, Erin and her husband Tim started their coffee journey seven years ago when they roasted beans in their basement as a gift for their wedding guests. What began as a small idea quickly transformed into online sales and now has become a full storefront with a Tasting Bar and larger roaster. Their vision is rooted in bringing good people and good coffee together, while supporting sustainable farming practices and using green energy through Bullfrog Power.

Being part of the Pow Wow Pitch journey marks an exciting new chapter for Erin.  The Belching Barista plans to grow their business by purchasing a coffee trailer so they can attend events, festivals and pow wows, bringing freshly roasted coffee directly to community members. They also plan to host introductory roasting workshops for nearby First Nations communities, providing hands-on education and encouraging others to explore the world of ethical, high-quality coffee. For Erin, it is about more than selling a product; it is about educating and encouraging others to connect through intentional, meaningful experiences.

One of Erin’s biggest accomplishments has been opening the storefront and welcoming twins in the same year. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship has not been easy, but Erin credits her faith and the strong partnership she shares with Tim for getting through the long days and sleepless nights. Their dedication has been rewarded with overwhelming community support and a loyal customer base that returns for both the flavour and the feeling behind each cup.

Erin believes Pow Wow Pitch plays a vital role in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and creating pathways for long-term success and reconciliation. Working with her mentor, Stephen Nairne from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, gave her the clarity and confidence to effectively tell her story in a way that reflects her purpose and values. “He was both encouraging and constructive,” Erin shares, “and I look forward to sharing a freshly roasted coffee with him as a thank you!”

For aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Erin offers this advice: forging your own path comes with challenges, but staying true to your values and believing in your product makes every early morning worthwhile. Entrepreneurship, for her, is not only about building a business; it is about building community.

Watch Erin as she pitches her business in the Food & Drink category airing on September 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

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Across Turtle Island (North America), Indigenous entrepreneurs are building businesses that are not only transforming their communities but also redefining the broader economic landscape. At the heart of this grassroots movement are organizations like Pow Wow Pitch and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, working in tandem to empower and elevate Indigenous voices in entrepreneurship.

Founded by Sunshine Tenasco, Pow Wow Pitch began with a powerful vision. After appearing on Dragon’s Den, Sunshine was inspired to create a similar platform tailored for Indigenous communities—a place where Indigenous entrepreneurs could safely pitch their ideas, receive feedback, and grow. Since then, Pow Wow Pitch has evolved into a vital support ecosystem that inspires Indigenous entrepreneurs to vocalize and believe in their dreams, offering not just funding, but validation and visibility.

“Pow Wow Pitch is unique,” Sunshine shares. “We include children and elders in our audience and participants. It’s not just about business—it’s about community, supporting the next generation, and lifting each other up.”

Raven Indigenous Capital Partners complements this mission with targeted financial investment and strategic mentorship. As the first Indigenous-owned and led Venture Capital fund in Canada, Raven provides early-stage capital ($250,000 to $5 million) to First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs. General Partner Althea Wishloff describes Pow Wow Pitch as “an incredible waterway for Raven,” enabling them to meet entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their journey.

What binds these organizations is their belief in a collaborative ecosystem. Sunshine and Pow Wow Pitch Executive Director Naomi Sarazin highlight that strategic partnerships like Raven’s allow each entity to “pass the microphone,” giving Indigenous entrepreneurs center stage. “We appreciate partners who share their platforms to showcase Indigenous excellence,” Sunshine says.

The ripple effects of this collaboration are evident in success stories like Cheekbone Beauty, a Pow Wow Pitch alumni and Raven portfolio company. Cheekbone Beauty has carved out space in the competitive beauty industry, selling clean, sustainable products in Sephora locations and boutique stores across Canada. More importantly, it has become a beacon of Indigenous innovation and excellence.

The journey for Indigenous entrepreneurs is rarely straightforward, according to Raven General Partner Sean McCormick, common challenges include limited access to startup capital and business experience. “We aim to meet entrepreneurs where they are, with flexible, creative solutions,” he says. This includes not just funding, but also capacity-building, mentorship, and a deep respect for cultural ways of doing business.

Sustainability, for Raven, means building resiliency into the very fabric of these ventures—supporting leaders who prioritize Indigenous ownership, long-term impact, and community leadership. “To go slow is to go smooth, and to go smooth is to go fast,” says Althea Wishloff, emphasizing the importance of intentional growth.

As Raven continues to deploy its $110 million Fund II, and Pow Wow Pitch prepares for another season of supporting Indigenous founders, the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship looks promising. Together, these organizations are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, resilient, and empowered economic future—one grassroots business at a time.

For more, visit ravencapitalpartners.com and powwowpitch.org.

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Raven is known for its commitment to strengthening the Indigenous economy through impactful investments and strategic partnerships. With a vision of fostering economic prosperity and sustainable growth, the organization has been instrumental in empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and driving positive change within Indigenous communities.

As part of the partnership, Althea Wishloff of Raven Indigenous Capital Partners will continue to provide valuable support to the Pow Wow Pitch team with strategic guidance to execute its strategic plan, particularly in its expansion across the United States. In addition, Althea will also co-author a communications piece with Pow Wow Pitch Founder, Sunshine Tenasco, to further contribute to important conversations about access to capital in the Indigenous economy.

“Our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch reflects our shared commitment to uplifting early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Althea Wishloff, General Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners. “At Raven, our mission is to back Indigenous founders from the ground up, and this collaboration strengthens our ability to provide the capital, mentorship, and community support needed to help new ventures take root and grow. Together, we’re building a foundation for long-term Indigenous prosperity and self-determination.”

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Raven Indigenous Capital Partners,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director at Pow Wow Pitch. “Their dedication to uplifting early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs aligns deeply with our mission. Together, we’re combining our strengths to drive meaningful progress and creating lasting impact in Indigenous communities across Turtle Island.”

United in their commitment to empowerment, both organizations are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive.

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 Raven Indigenous Capital Partners

Raven Indigenous Capital Partners is an impact-focussed venture capital fund, investing in Native American and Indigenous founders across the United States and Canada. Raven invests in seed-stage companies across sectors and currently has $150M in assets under management.

Headquartered out of Vancouver, BC and Albuquerque, NM, Raven is a majority-Indigenous owned fund dedicated to uplifting Indigenous and Native entrepreneurs.

To learn more about Raven and apply for funding, visit the Raven website: ravencapitalpartners.com.

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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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The awards continue their mission to celebrate excellence and remarkable achievements in Indigenous entrepreneurship, recognizing outstanding Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada.

Presented in collaboration with esteemed partners RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard Canada, and with the valued support of the Export Development Canada, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Sklar Wilton & Associates, and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, these awards stand as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and cultural richness of Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Eligible applicants must be Indigenous entrepreneurs with a minimum of three years of business operation in Canada. Applications and nominations will remain open until June 5, 2024, culminating in the announcement and celebration of winners during a digitally broadcast awards presentation on November 13, 2024.

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, expressed, “The Awards are a beacon of recognition for the entrepreneurial spirit and success within Indigenous communities. They provide a vital platform for celebrating resilience and reconciliation through the lens of entrepreneurship.”

Tracy Antoine, Senior Director of Indigenous Programs and Policies at RBC reiterated the importance of the Awards, stating, “The contribution of Indigenous entrepreneurs to our economy is immeasurable - their leadership inspires innovation, collaboration and plays a critical role in fostering stronger, more inclusive communities. Through our support for the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, we are proud to continue our efforts in recognizing the potential and talent of Indigenous innovators and celebrating their inspirational stories of entrepreneurship.”

Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Build Native Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program Manager at Shopify, emphasized the significance of celebrating Indigenous ingenuity and excellence, saying, “Through our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch and support of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, Shopify proudly amplifies the exceptional contributions of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Their innovation and dedication exemplify the strength of ancestral wisdom and pave the way for sustainable prosperity.”

Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada, reinforced the importance of recognizing the successes of Indigenous entrepreneurs, saying, “by championing Indigenous entrepreneurs, we ensure their voices are heard and seen. Together, with Pow Wow Pitch, we are building a future where everyone can reach their full potential, contributing to a more prosperous and inclusive society.”

Todd Evans, National Lead for Indigenous Exporters at Export Development Canada, highlights that celebrating Indigenous people through the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards is a testament to “honoring the resilience, innovation, and cultural richness of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Together, we pave the path towards a future where Indigenous entrepreneurship not only thrives but leads."

Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), expresses being honoured to support Pow Wow Pitch in uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs through the Awards, stating, “our shared commitment to amplifying Indigenous Peoples and businesses making strides in the tourism industry fosters economic opportunities, while also preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come.  Moreover, ITAC’s vision is to help make Canada the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030. The importance of Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs are essential in helping meet this goal, as they contribute to growth in Indigenous-owned and operated tourism businesses, job growth and contributions to Canada’s GDP.”

Libier Gomez, Managing Director of Sklar Wilton & Associates, shares the importance of highlighting the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs, stating, “the positive impact of Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island shines bright and enriches our economy. Sklar Wilton & Associates is so proud to show our support in this year’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards by highlighting exceptional community leaders, paving the way for future generations.”

Althea Wishloff, General Partner of Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, reinforces the importance of recognizing Indigenous achievements within entrepreneurship, emphasizing, "The impact of Indigenous entrepreneurs resonates deeply within our communities, igniting economic resurgence and cultural vitality. Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, rooted in our commitment to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and fostering economic sustainability, proudly champions Indigenous excellence. We are dedicated to showcasing exemplary leaders who embody our values of credibility, accountability, and transparency, thereby inspiring future generations to thrive." 

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards stand as a testament to the vitality of Indigenous entrepreneurship, serving to empower entrepreneurs and bolster the growth and prosperity of Indigenous businesses. To apply or nominate, please visit powwowpitch.org/awards.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Keely Thompson-Cook at keely@powwowpitch.org.

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Both Indigenous-led organizations, Pow Wow Pitch and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners operate from the perspective of an Indigenous worldview, follow traditional Indigenous protocols, work for the wellbeing of people and the planet, and acknowledge shared responsibility to the next generations.

Raven Indigenous Capital Partners is mobilizing capital and scale-up expertise to fill pervasive gaps faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs – access capital, aligned investors, and connections to new markets. Observing the impact of Pow Wow Pitch as a platform for early-stage Indigenous  businesses and its recent foray into the United States, this year, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners has signed on as a Silver-Level sponsor with the clear intention to grow together with Pow Wow Pitch in the American market. 

The partnership between Raven Capital and Pow Wow Pitch involves education on accessing growth capital, engaging its employees as mentors, adjudicating the pitch competition, and contributing prize dollars for winning entrepreneurs. Raven and Pow Wow Pitch will also work together strategically to align and move forward in the US market together to accelerator impact for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

“Raven Indigenous Capital Partners is filling an important gap and blazing new trails for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are so proud to be partnering with Raven to grow our shared impact and to provide trusted, culturally grounded entrepreneurial and growth financing pathways to Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, whose team have been true ecosystem builders in elevating the voices and brands of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Althea Wishloff, Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners. “With this partnership, our goal is to learn from founders and share knowledge and capital succession for companies as they grow.”

This Fall, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners will be participating in Pow Wow Pitch’s virtual and US programming, and will be planning strategic meetings with the Pow Wow Pitch leadership to look forward to 2024 expansion activities. 

To learn more about the partnership between Pow Wow Pitch and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, visit: https://www.powwowpitch.org/about/partners/raven-indigenous-capital-partners/

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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced a partnership with Raven Indigenous Capital Partners to support early-stage Indigenous-owned businesses access growth and impact investment opportunities.

Pow Wow Pitch is uniting and rallying a trusted ecosystem of partners around Indigenous entrepreneurs to accelerate access to the support and resources. 

Both Indigenous-led organizations, Pow Wow Pitch and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, honour the Seven Sacred Teachings, operate from the perspective of an Indigenous worldview, follow traditional Indigenous protocols, work for the wellbeing of people and the planet, and acknowledge shared responsibility to the next generations.

“As the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem matures, it is important to build and maintain linkages with trusted partners to support the ongoing growth of Indigenous-owned business beyond start-up,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Our partnership with Raven will help us connect Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs with purpose-driven and culturally grounded seed and growth capital.” 

Raven’s Indigenous Impact Fund of $25M invests in innovative, scalable, purpose-driven Indigenous-led and Indigenous-owned enterprises, with a target investment size of $250K to $2M. As part of its first cohort, CheekBone Beauty, founded by Pow Wow Pitch Alumni and Advisory Council Member Jennifer Harper, is one of Raven’s current portfolio companies.

“Our vision for this partnership is to support more businesses like Cheekbone Beauty to move from a start-up with Pow Wow Pitch to scale up with Raven Indigenous Capital Partners,” said Tenasco.

"As entrepreneurs grow their businesses, our challenges and needs change. And for Indigenous entrepreneurs, sometimes the type of support we need can be very specific," said Jennifer Harper, CEO of Cheekbone Beauty. "As a Pow Wow Pitch Alumni and a current part of the Raven Indigenous Capital Partners portfolio, I love that these Indigenous-led organizations are working together to help support Indigenous entrepreneurs from seed to scale."

 The partnership between Raven Capital and Pow Wow Pitch involves education on accessing growth capital, engaging its employees as mentors, adjudicating the pitch competition, and contributing prize dollars for winning entrepreneurs. 

“We’re thrilled to be in partnership with Pow Wow Pitch,” said Jeffrey Cyr, Managing Partner of Raven Indigenous Capital Partners. “Our relationship will allow emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs to access the right support at the right time from organizations they trust. We are hopeful that this nascent support network will help Indigenous entrepreneurs achieve the success and impact we know they’re capable of.”   

To learn more about the partnership between Pow Wow Pitch and Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, visit powwowpitch.org/raven-capital-partners.

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