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 Mastercard and RBC, and in partnership with Sklar Wilton and Altis Recruitment, these awards stand as a testament to the innovation and cultural richness of Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Eligible applicants must be Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 18 or older who have been operating their business in Canada for at least three years. Nominations and applications will remain open until June 8, 2026, culminating in the announcement and celebration of recipients during a digitally broadcast awards presentation in November 2026.

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, shared, “As we celebrate another year of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, we are excited to honour Indigenous entrepreneurs whose vision and dedication strengthen our communities and inspire the next generation. These Awards recognize the exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit that set a standard of excellence across Indigenous business and drive our communities forward.”

Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada shared, “Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs is about  sharing their stories and raising awareness of the actions needed to ensure they can succeed and thrive. Together with Pow Wow Pitch, we are proud to support opportunities that strengthen communities and shape a more inclusive and prosperous digital economy across Canada.”

Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins, emphasized the significance of the 2026 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, stating: “Indigenous entrepreneurs play an important role in building Canada’s economy and fostering the growth of communities across the country. Their leadership and dedication continue to shape businesses that reflect culture, community, and long-term change for generations to come. We are proud to support the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards as part of our ongoing commitment to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Indigenous business owners.”

Libier Gomez, Managing Director of Sklar Wilton, shares, “Indigenous entrepreneurs are redefining what leadership looks like by building businesses rooted in culture and community. Sklar Wilton is honoured to support the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards and celebrate the visionaries shaping more inclusive and thriving communities across Turtle Island.”

Kathryn Tremblay, Co-founder and Owner of Altis Recruitment, shared, “There is so much to celebrate in the work Indigenous entrepreneurs are doing across Canada. We look forward to recognizing business leaders whose success reflects commitment, creativity, and community leadership.”

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards are a testament to the vitality of Indigenous entrepreneurship, celebrating entrepreneurs and supporting the growth and success of Indigenous businesses. To nominate or submit an application, please visit powwowpitch.org/awards.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Destiny Maluga at destiny@powwowpitch.org

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Since the partnership began in 2021, Sklar Wilton has played an integral role in Pow Wow Pitch’s growth. This includes contributing to the Indigenous Startup Program, recognizing Indigenous excellence through the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, and co-developing Pow Wow Pitch’s five year strategic plan, which continues to guide the organization’s direction.

In 2026, Sklar Wilton continues to support Pow Wow Pitch as the organization moves further into the implementation phase of its strategic plan. With the framework now established, the partnership is focused on translating long-term goals into action across programming, partnerships, and organizational development. 

“We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Sklar Wilton as we continue to put our long term strategy into practice,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Their partnership has supported us in building clarity, structure, and momentum as we grow as an organization.” 

Beyond strategic planning, Sklar Wilton continues to engage directly with Pow Wow Pitch programming. As a collaborating partner of the Pow Wow Pitch Finalist Bootcamp, their team works directly with finalists, sharing knowledge and insight to support them in their final pitch to help strengthen their pitches and build readiness and confidence for the Grand Finale. 

“Our work with Pow Wow Pitch has always been about walking alongside the organization as it grows and evolves,” said Jennifer Marley, Partner at Sklar Wilton. “Entering 2026, we are proud to continue this partnership and to remain engaged as Pow Wow Pitch moves forward with intention, leadership, and a clear long term vision.” 

Together, Pow Wow Pitch and Sklar Wilton continue a partnership rooted in collaboration, shared learning, and long term commitment to Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

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 Sklar Wilton & Associates

Sklar Wilton is a leading Strategy and Insights partner. We work with savvy brand builders to unlock growth by uniquely fusing together Strategy, Insights, Facilitation and Storytelling. Our work helps drive business decisions and leads to clarity, action, and real results. For almost 40 years, we have been dedicated to building stronger brands and helping others succeed, working alongside our long-standing clients as a trusted partner and strategic advisor. We are proud of our special culture and believe in an inclusive and equitable workplace where individual differences and perspectives are recognized and embraced.  

For more information about Sklar Wilton, visit sklarwilton.com. 

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