This collaboration will support Indigenous entrepreneurs from across New Brunswick as they gather to pitch their businesses during the Sitansisk Powwow. Participants will have the opportunity to present their business ideas, connect with mentors, and compete for $9,500 in cash prizes.

JEDI will contribute to the experience through mentorship, judging, and support for entrepreneurs throughout the event. As an Indigenous organization focused on advancing economic participation in New Brunswick, JEDI continues to play a key role in supporting Indigenous business development across the province.

“At JEDI, we are committed to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs as they build and grow their businesses,” said Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI. “Opportunities like Pow Wow Pitch create space for entrepreneurs to share their ideas, connect with others, and take meaningful steps forward. When entrepreneurs are supported in this way, it creates lasting ripple effects throughout their families and communities.”

“We’re grateful to continue working alongside JEDI,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “This fourth year of partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick, ensuring opportunities are not just available, but accessible, meaningful, and rooted in community.”

Indigenous entrepreneurs participating in Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch will also gain access to Pow Wow Pitch programming, including mentorship, resources, and opportunities to grow their businesses beyond the event.
Visit powwowpitch.org/sitansisk to learn more and pre-register to pitch.

About Pow Wow Pitch 

Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops and accelerates the growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted as a reflection of respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch.

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.

About JEDI

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is an Indigenous organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous participation in New Brunswick’s economy.  JEDI began in 1995 as a tripartite partnership between Indigenous communities in New Brunswick, the Government of Canada, and the Government of New Brunswick. In 2009, JEDI was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization and over the years JEDI has grown into an Indigenous organization focused on working closely with its partners from Indigenous communities, organizations, government, and the private sector to foster Indigenous economic development in New Brunswick.

For more information, visit jedinb.ca.

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Building on the success of their collaborations to build opportunities and support to Indigenous New Brunswick residents, Pow Wow Pitch, JEDI and WBNB are joining forces once again to spotlight a new First Nations community in New Brunswick. The impact of this partnership continues to celebrate and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed all throughout the province.

At this year’s Elsipogtog Powwow held in Elsipogtog First Nation, JEDI is proud to collaborate with Pow Wow Pitch by providing prizes and helping to connect Indigenous entrepreneurs with essential resources, including capital and mentorship. JEDI is a leading Indigenous organization dedicated to fostering Indigenous economic development in New Brunswick. Their team members will serve as judges and mentors at the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship.

“We are proud to be continuing our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch for a third year to uplift and celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship across New Brunswick,” expressed Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI. “At JEDI, we recognize the vital role Indigenous businesses play in driving economic growth while staying rooted in culture and community. It’s an honour to support and recognize these entrepreneurs as they lead the way forward.”

Echoing this impact, Women in Business New Brunswick will also be  joining forces to provide prizes, mentorship, and judges to local entrepreneurs. WBNB is a non-profit organization that empowers women entrepreneurs across the province by fostering confidence, leadership, and economic independence. Through culturally inclusive support and community-building, they help women overcome barriers, grow sustainable businesses, and become catalysts for change in their communities.

“Women in Business New Brunswick is proud to continue supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs through partnerships like this one,” said Nacole Charlie, Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Development Officer at Women in Business New Brunswick. Initiatives such as Pow Wow Pitch offer meaningful platforms to amplify Indigenous voices, celebrate innovation, and foster culturally grounded economic development.”

Echoing this sentiment, Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, shared, “We absolutely love when partners like the Joint Economic Development Initiative and Women in Business New Brunswick come together to amplify our collective impact. By working in partnership, we’re creating space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to be seen, supported, and celebrated. We’re excited to deepen these relationships and continue strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit across New Brunswick.”

By working alongside Pow Wow Pitch, JEDI and WBNB are contributing to a growing movement that empowers and supports 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 Joint Economic Development Initiative

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is an Indigenous organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous participation in New Brunswick’s economy.  JEDI began in 1995 as a tripartite partnership between Indigenous communities in New Brunswick, the Government of Canada, and the Government of New Brunswick. In 2009, JEDI was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization and over the years JEDI has grown into an Indigenous organization focused on working closely with its partners from Indigenous communities, organizations, government, and the private sector to foster Indigenous economic development in New Brunswick.

For more information, visit jedinb.ca

About Women in Business New Brunswick

Women in Business New Brunswick (WBNB) supports women entrepreneurs across the province with training, resources, and programming tailored to meet their unique needs. Through inclusive and community-driven initiatives, WBNB is committed to helping women — particularly those from underrepresented groups — start, grow, and lead successful businesses.

For more information, visit wbnb-fanb.ca/en. 

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Building on the success of their inaugural collaboration at the Nataoganeg Powwow last year, Pow Wow Pitch and JEDI have continued to strengthen their alliance, collaborating on impactful initiatives such as the Taste of the Atlantic Festival in 2023 and the New Brunswick Indigenous Tourism Summit earlier this year. This collaboration underscores a shared vision to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs and connect them with opportunities for growth and success.

“We are always so happy to collaborate with Pow Wow Pitch to create opportunities that support and highlight the immense talent we have here in New Brunswick,” expressed Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI. “JEDI recognizes the immense potential of Indigenous businesses to drive economic growth while honoring our heritage. We are thrilled to extend our support to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with prizes and recognition that celebrates their achievements with our entire community.”

Echoing this sentiment, Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, remarked, “We are thrilled to grow our impact with the Joint Economic Development Initiative. We are eagerly anticipating our presence in New Brunswick and cannot wait to engage with all Indigenous entrepreneurs. It’s an opportunity for us to extend a warm welcome to them into the Pow Wow Pitch community and forge meaningful connections that foster growth and success.”

In 2024, JEDI will sponsor Pow Wow Pitch at the Tobique Powwow on July 27th, providing prizes and connecting Indigenous entrepreneurs with crucial resources such as financing and mentorship. Additionally, JEDI will serve as a Round 1 Judge at the event and offer mentorship to the Top 10 pitchers, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship.

By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, JEDI aims to contribute to the creation of new opportunities for fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs and to scale their impact. This partnership exemplifies how Indigenous-led entities can support Indigenous entrepreneurship and work towards economic reconciliation in Canada.

As Pow Wow Pitch and JEDI continue to collaborate and grow together, they remain dedicated to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick and beyond, driving positive change and economic prosperity within Indigenous communities.

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 JEDI

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is an Indigenous organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous participation in New Brunswick’s economy.  JEDI began in 1995 as a tripartite partnership between Indigenous communities in New Brunswick, the Government of Canada, and the Government of New Brunswick. In 2009, JEDI was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization and over the years JEDI has grown into an Indigenous organization focused on working closely with its partners from Indigenous communities, organizations, government, and the private sector to foster Indigenous economic development in New Brunswick.

For more information, visit jedinb.ca.

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Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, training and support, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced its new collaboration with the NB Indigenous Tourism Summit taking place in Fredericton, New Brunswick on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Delta Fredericton Hotel, 225 Woodstock Rd, Fredericton, NB E3B 2H8. 

The NB Indigenous Tourism Summit is a conference co-hosted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick (ITANB) and the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI). The Summit features a two-day conference with headline speakers, including a keynote from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada CEO, Keith Henry, presentations from New Brunswick tourism leaders, and informative workshops and tourism experiences. 

How It Works 

Indigenous entrepreneurs and vendors at the NB Indigenous Tourism Summit, are invited to visit the Pow Wow Pitch table between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Indigenous entrepreneurs can pitch their business or business idea in 1-minute for their chance to win cash prizes on-site and to get a chance to advance in the Pow Wow Pitch North American Indigenous Pitch Competition.

Pitch entries will be recorded and reviewed by a panel of judges followed by a Winner’s Announcement at 4:00 p.m. on stage. Prizes include a 1st Place Prize of $1,000, a 2nd Place Prize of $800, and a 3rd Place Prize of $600. The 1st place winner will also advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals for their chance to win $25,000. 

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with the NB Indigenous Tourism Summit and our partners at the Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick and the Joint Economic Development Initiative,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Tourism holds immense significance for Indigenous communities, serving as a conduit for cultural preservation and economic empowerment. New Brunswick boasts a rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and creativity, making it a treasure trove for visitors seeking authentic Indigenous experiences. We are eagerly anticipating our presence at the New Brunswick Indigenous Tourism Summit and cannot wait to engage with all Indigenous entrepreneurs. It’s an opportunity for us to extend a warm welcome to them into the Pow Wow Pitch community and forge meaningful connections that foster growth and success.”

“Pow Wow Pitch provides essential resources and opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to excel in our tourism sector,” said Karen Narvey, Executive Director of Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick. “Indigenous entrepreneurs are pivotal in showcasing our cultural heritage and enriching our tourism offerings. We look forward to partnering with Pow Wow Pitch to further support Indigenous entrepreneurs and enhance our impact together on New Brunswick’s tourism industry.”

“Our collaboration with Pow Wow Pitch at the Natoaganeg Powwow in 2023 showcased the impact that supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship can have on our communities and cultural preservation,” said Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI.  “JEDI recognizes the immense potential of Indigenous businesses to enrich our tourism landscape and drive economic growth while honoring our heritage. We are thrilled to welcome Pow Wow Pitch back and extend our support to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with prizes and recognition that celebrates their achievements, further empowering them to succeed and contribute to our vibrant tourism industry.”

All Indigenous entrepreneurs that pitch will also be automatically entered into the Turtle Island (North American) Pow Wow Pitch competition and will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community. All pitchers will get access to a free Indigenous Startup Program, have the opportunity to have their products and services be considered to be featured in the annual Pow Wow Pitch Box and on Pow Wow Market for socially-conscious customers looking to ‘Buy Indigenous,’ and will receive a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA, and a 60-day free Shopify Trial.

To learn more about the NB Indigenous Tourism Summit, please visit: https://jedinb.ca/jedi-plenary. 

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Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced its new partnership with the Natoaganeg Traditional Powwow to put the spotlight on Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick.

The 23rd annual Natoaganeg Traditional Powwow takes place at the Pow Wow grounds on Riverview Road East on the Natoaganeg – Eel Ground 1st Nation, overlooking the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, from July 15-16, 2023. This year, Natoaganeg has invited Pow Wow Pitch to host a Pow Wow Pitch Competition to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs, vendors, creators, and innovators.

Vendors and attendees will have the opportunity to pitch to win cash prizes to take their ideas and businesses to the next level.

To enter, vendors and entrepreneurs can pre-register their business or business idea at powwowpitch.org/natoaganeg. To participate, entrepreneurs will have 1-Minute to Pitch their ideas or businesses live, in front of a panel of judges for a chance to win!

The top 10 pitchers will be paired with mentors before pitching in front of the judges and the Natoaganeg community. Prizes include $5,000 for 1st Place, $2,500 for 2nd Place, $1,000 for 3rd Place, $500 for the Youth Prize and $500 for the Fan Favourite. In addition, the 1st Place Winner will also get a Golden Ticket to the Turtle Island Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000. 

Pow Wow Pitch is proudly presented at the Natoaganeg Tradition Pow Wow by Joint Economic Development Initiative – JEDI and Women In Business New Brunswick. Their work in collaboration with Natoaganeg Traditional Powwow Community Organizers are to thank for making Pow Wow Pitch’s presence possible. Together, our mission to bring opportunities to the Indigenous entrepreneurs of New Brunswick is a milestone!

“We are so excited to bring Pow Wow Pitch to New Brunswick for the first time,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “This is the farthest East we will have taken Pow Wow Pitch and can’t wait to meet the community members and to hear their ideas! We also couldn’t be more thankful to be welcomed by the powwow organizers and our presenting partners, JEDI and Women In Business New Brunswick, together, we’re championing Indigenous innovation and resilience.” 

“We are excited to announce the first ever New Brunswick Pow Wow Pitch Competition in partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, Women in Business New Brunswick, and Natoaganeg (Eel Ground First Nation) to increase economic opportunities to the Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick,” said Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI. “The Indigenous Business Pitch competition will not only give New Brunswick Indigenous entrepreneurs a chance to win cash prizes towards their start-up or existing business, but it gives them the chance to enter the Turtle Island Pow Wow Pitch Competition and get exposure on a national level. Effective partnerships like these with the focus on increasing Indigenous representation within the New Brunswick economy is paving the way to what true economic reconciliation is.”

Women in Business NB collaborate with JEDI to bring Powwow Pitch to New Brunswick Indigenous Entrepreneurs. Women in Business NB is proud to collaborate with JEDI to bring Pow Wow Pitch to the 2023 Natoaganeg Powwow. There are so many talented entrepreneurs here in NB and we wanted to invite Powwow Pitch to come and celebrate each one of them at this year’s gathering. “I want to take this moment to acknowledge all those who are coming forward to share their ideas and hopefully take their venture to the next level with Powwow Pitch’s support,” said Natasha Martin-Mitchell, Development Officer for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs.

Regardless of whether they make it to the Top 10, all those who audition will still have a chance to advance to the Pow Wow Pitch digital semi-finals and join the Pow Wow Pitch community. All pitchers will get access to a free Indigenous Startup Program, gain access to tools and support, and have the chance to have their products and services featured in the Pow Wow Pitch annual Mailer Box and on the Pow Wow Pitch Marketplace launching later this year for socially-conscious customers looking to ‘Buy Indigenous.’

To learn more and pre-register for Pow Wow Pitch at Natoaganeg Traditional Powwow, visit powwowpitch.org/natoaganeg.

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