On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, training and support, co-presented by RBC and Mastercard, and with local presenting partner Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation, announced Sherry Condo, a Mi’gmaq Beekeeper, owner of Wild Flower Honey, from the Listiguj First Nation as the 2026 Gesgapegiag Pow Wow Pitch Winner. The Mi’gmaq-owned business has won $5,000 for their business and will advance to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale where they will get the chance to win the grand prize of $25,000.

This past Friday and Saturday, 14 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Gesgapegiag Mawiomi PowWow in Gesgagpegiag First Nation, Quebec, for their chance to win cash prizes to advance their businesses.

Host, Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, emceed the action-packed program, where Indigenous entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and businesses in one-minute for their chance to win prizes and support to make their dreams a reality.  

Following a first-round open pitch on Friday, July 17, judges Kirt Dedam, Project Manager at Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation; Karel Fournier, Account Manager at Société de crédit commercial autochtone (SOCCA); and Roberta Billingsley, Senior Economic Development Officer at Micmacs of Gesgapegiag, first shortlisted the ‘Top 11’ entrepreneurs to advance to round two. 

The Top 11 were paired up with mentors from Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation, SOCCA, Micmacs of Gesgapegiag, and MNP to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges: Kammy Vicaire, Communications & Public Relations Officer at Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation; Naomi Leet, Financial Advisor at RBC; Mary Mackay, Commercial Account Manager of Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurs at Ulnooweg Development Group, and Hollie Larocque Jerome, Director of Economic Development at Micmacs of Gesgapegiag. 

The 1st Place $5,000 Prize Winner was Sherry Condo from Listiguuj First Nation, a Mi’gmaq beekeeper and owner of Wild Flower Honey, who has been producing and selling honey across communities for the past six years. After experiencing significant bee losses, Sherry pitched to rebuild her hives and invest in equipment to expand production. She believes bees provide more than honey, they are medicine, and she is committed to ensuring future generations and Indigenous communities continue to benefit from their gifts.

“It’s a struggle no matter what you do, but don’t give up, even when you get tired,” shared 1st Place Winner Sherry Condo. “I’m over 60 years old, and I’m going to keep doing what I need to do. Get out there. We need our people out there. I hope to be remembered as someone who never gave up and who kept going because of my people.”

The 2nd Place $2,500 Prize Winner and Fan Favourite $500 Prize Winner was Sky Jerome from Gesgapegiag First Nation, Founder of Sky Sculpted Brows, a permanent makeup studio specializing in cosmetic tattooing and beauty services. Inspired by her great-grandmother, Elsa Jerome, the first female entrepreneur in Gesgapegiag, Sky turned a childhood passion into a growing business. She pitched to diversify her product offerings by expanding her pigment selection, allowing her to better serve a wider range of clients.

“There are going to be really hard days when you’re starting out, but you have to keep going,” shared 2nd Place Winner Sky Jerome. “Having a strong support system has made me never want to give up. It pushes me to be my best every day, and connecting with other business owners in the same industry reminds me to keep moving forward.”

The 3rd Place $1,000 Prize Winner was Trinity Martin from Gesgapegiag First Nation, Founder of Companion Care Collective, a planned non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of animals in her community. Trinity pitched her vision to provide support for stray and abandoned animals through temporary shelters, pet food, transportation to veterinary care, pet carriers, and financial assistance for low-income families. She plans to use the prize money to begin building small shelters for animals in need as she works toward opening a larger temporary shelter in the future.

“Find something you’re passionate about and pursue it with love,” shared 3rd Place Winner Trinity Martin. “I hope to continue showing compassion to the voiceless and make sure every animal has the care and kindness they deserve.”

The Youth $500 Prize was Rysun Jerome from Gesgapegiag First Nation, Founder of Bryse, a youth-led clothing brand focused on creating apparel that helps people feel confident, comfortable, and true to themselves. At just 14 years old, Rysun pitched his vision of offering clothing that honours Indigenous identity while giving people fresh, creative choices. He shared that winning Pow Wow Pitch will help him continue growing his brand and spread the message that everyone deserves to feel confident in what they wear.

“Don’t quit and follow your dreams,” shared Youth Prize Winner Rysun Jerome. “Bullying can be tough, but if you keep persevering, you can get through it. I hope to create something people remember for the confidence and comfort it gives them.”

“Congratulations to the winners of the Gesgapegiag Pow Wow Pitch.” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “This weekend’s entrepreneurs shared powerful ideas, determination, and a commitment to creating opportunities for their communities. Miigwech to the Gesgapegiag Mawiomi PowWow Committee for hosting us, and a heartfelt thank you to all 14 pitchers whose courage and vision made this day unforgettable.”

All those who pitched will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community and gain access to the Indigenous Startup Program, a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA, as well as various Pow Wow Pitch programs and partner opportunities.

The post Sherry Condo, a Mi’gmaq Beekeeper wins Gesgapegiag Pow Wow Pitch appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Indigenous vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs from both Canada and the United States are encouraged to pitch their businesses and ideas, virtually or in-person at various powwows, for an opportunity to join the Pow Wow Pitch training and mentorship program, and to vie for cash prizes.

“As we enter the eleventh year of Pow Wow Pitch, our pitch program continues to be a vibrant space where Indigenous entrepreneurs can share their ideas, gain momentum, and turn vision into action,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch. “The pitch competition celebrates the creativity, determination, and leadership of Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, and the thriving businesses and communities they continue to build.”

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, added: “Every year, Indigenous entrepreneurs show up with business ideas rooted in who they are and the communities they come from, and a clear vision for where they’re headed. We’re honoured to welcome another year of bold thinkers and doers. At Pow Wow Pitch, we’re proud to create a platform that builds confidence, strengthens community support, and sets entrepreneurs up for long-term success. Community over competition, always. Together, we are paving a path for generations to come.” 

Here’s how it works:

Virtual Pitch: Entrepreneurs can submit a one-minute video pitch virtually between April 1 and June 1 at powwowpitch.org/pitch. Pow Wow Pitch will select the top 100+ Indigenous entrepreneurs as semi-finalists, providing them with mentorship and pitch training. Semi-finalists will then compete in virtual semi-finals for the opportunity to receive a $1,000 semi-finals cash award and a spot in the Grand Finale.

In-Person: This year’s Pow Wow Pitch Trail features three in-person Pow Wow Pitch events at powwows across Canada. At each stop, entrepreneurs can share their business or idea live, connect with mentors in a supportive and celebratory environment, and compete for cash prizes. The first place winner at each event will earn a golden ticket to the Grand Finale. Watch for updates and upcoming live pitch events on our website at powwowpitch.org/pitch. 

Grand Finale: On October 21, 2026, the top entrepreneurs from both virtual semi-finals and the first place winners from in-person events will pitch to a panel of judges at the Grand Finale for a chance to win the following top prizes: an Alumni Choice Prize of $5,000, 3rd Place Prize of $5,000, 2nd Place Prize of $10,000, and 1st Place Prize of $25,000.

All participating entrepreneurs will join a thriving community of Indigenous entrepreneurs, get a free pass to all 2026 Pow Wow Pitch learning opportunities, gain access to free training and support, and receive a free .CA domain from CIRA.

Last year’s Grand Prize winner, Kendal Garlow, co-founder of SproutSync Ltd., shares inspiring advice for emerging entrepreneurs: “When the going gets tough, the tough gets you going. As an Indigenous entrepreneur who still feels like I’m at the start of my journey, when things get hard, or you run into obstacles, keep going. There is a space for you, and if Indigenizing the business world is something you want to do, you can absolutely do it.”

Pow Wow Pitch gratefully acknowledges all of its partners for their unwavering support. Co-presenting partners, Mastercard and RBC have provided significant multi-year backing that empower Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, fostering innovation, mentorship, and opportunity. Their commitment ensures that Indigenous entrepreneurs can turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.  

Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada, added, “Marking five years of partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, we’re honoured to continue supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and contributing to resilient economic growth within Indigenous communities. This collaboration reflects Mastercard’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, digital economy that enables Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive.”

Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins, commented on the launch of this year’s Pow Wow Pitch programming: “At RBC, we value the role Indigenous entrepreneurs play in strengthening communities through business. We are proud to support Pow Wow Pitch as we aim to advance economic reconciliation and contribute to the prosperity of Indigenous entrepreneurs across different sectors.”

Pow Wow Pitch invites all Indigenous entrepreneurs to take part in this year’s competition and join a growing community of innovators, creators, and business leaders across Turtle Island. Whether pitching virtually or on the Pow Wow Pitch Trail, participants will gain mentorship, build confidence, and showcase their ideas to a national audience, all while celebrating their culture and the communities that inspire them. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your vision to life, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and compete for over $100,000 in cash prizes. 

Visit powwowpitch.org/pitch to learn more and submit your pitch.

–

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 Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

For more information, visit www.mastercard.ca

For media inquiries, please contract:

Helena Wade, Manager, Communications, Mastercard| helena.wade@mastercard.com

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 101,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

The post Calling All Indigenous Entrepreneurs: Pow Wow Pitch Announces $100,000 Cash Prize Competition for 2026 appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Indigenous vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs from both Canada and the United States are encouraged to pitch their businesses and ideas, virtually or in-person at various powwows and Indigenous festivals, for an opportunity to join the Pow Wow Pitch training and mentorship program, and to vie for cash prizes.

“As we celebrate a decade of empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, Pow Wow Pitch continues to be a beacon of innovation, resilience, and community,” shared Sunshine Tenasco, Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch. “This milestone is a testament to the incredible talent and vision of Indigenous business leaders across Turtle Island.”

Reflecting on the past 10 years, Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, remarked, “Building on this momentum, Pow Wow Pitch continues to be a powerful platform where Indigenous entrepreneurs uplift one another, embrace their entrepreneurial spirit, and create lasting impact in their communities. As we celebrate this milestone, we honour the resilience and achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs and embrace the next decade with a renewed commitment to inspiring and empowering the next generation of Indigenous changemakers.”

Here’s how it works:

Virtual Pitch: Entrepreneurs can submit a one-minute video pitch virtually between April 1 and June 3 at powwowpitch.org/pitch. Pow Wow Pitch will select the top 100 Indigenous entrepreneurs as semi-finalists, providing them with mentorship and pitch training. Semi-finalists will compete in virtual semi-finals for a chance to win a cash tip of $1000 and advance to the finals.

In-Person: Pow Wow Pitch will also host live pitch events at Manito Ahbee Festival on May 17, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Kamloopa Powwow on June 28, 2025 in Kamloops, British Columbia; and two additional in-person events will be added to the Pow Wow Pitch Trail. Entrepreneurs can pitch their business or idea live for a chance to win cash prizes and receive a golden ticket to the finals.

The Finals: On October 22, 2025, the top entrepreneurs from both virtual semi-finals and the first place winners from in-person events will pitch to a panel of judges at the Grand Finale for a chance to win the following top prizes: an Alumni Choice Prize of $5,000, 3rd Place Prize of $5,000, 2nd Place Prize of $10,000, and 1st Place Prize of $25,000.

All participating entrepreneurs will join a thriving community of Indigenous entrepreneurs, get a free pass to all 2025 Pow Wow Pitch learning opportunities, gain access to free training and support, and receive a free .CA domain from CIRA.

Last year’s Grand Prize winner, Shyra Barberstock, Co-founder of Kebaonish Inc., shares inspiring advice for emerging entrepreneurs: “Stay true to your values and your community. Remember, your unique perspective as an Indigenous entrepreneur is your strength—use it to innovate and create positive change.”

Pow Wow Pitch sincerely thanks its partners for their unwavering support. As co-presenting partners, Mastercard and RBC have provided substantial multi-year backing, helping to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island.

Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada, added, “We’re proud to renew our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch for the fourth year in a row. Empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and fostering economic development within Indigenous communities aligns with our mission at Mastercard to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone across Canada.”

Chinyere Eni, Head of RBC Origins commented on the launch of this year’s Pow Wow Pitch programming: “At RBC, we recognize the creativity and resilience of Indigenous entrepreneurs who are shaping the future with their bold ideas and community-driven vision. We are proud to support this year’s Pow Wow Pitch and look forward to empowering this year’s participants as they share their stories and take their businesses to new heights.”

Pow Wow Pitch is also supported by Silver Partners,  Sklar Wilton and Associates and Altis Recruitment; Seed Partners, Export Development Canada, NACCA, Jelly Academy, Aritzia, CIRA, Best Buy Canada, Futurpreneur, Business Development Bank of Canada; and Community Partners, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, MINI TIPI, Joint Economic Development Initiative, CFDC of CIFN, and ANTCO.

Indigenous entrepreneurs are encouraged to pitch their businesses or ideas and join the Pow Wow Pitch community. To learn more about the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch competition, visit powwowpitch.org/pitch.

–

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 Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help.

For more information, visit www.mastercard.ca

About RBC Indigenous Financial Services Group

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 98,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

The post Calling All Indigenous Entrepreneurs: Pow Wow Pitch Announces 2025 $100,000 Cash Prize Competition appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

As Pow Wow Pitch celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the organization has also set its sights on reaching new goals and expanding its reach. Creating a strategic plan is a milestone achievement for any organization, but for Pow Wow Pitch, it is a testament to its growth, commitment, and dedication to Indigenous entrepreneurship. This plan reflects years of learning, collaboration, and engagement with the community, ensuring that the organization remains aligned with the evolving needs of Indigenous business leaders. By establishing clear priorities and structured goals, Pow Wow Pitch strengthens its ability to provide long-term support, mentorship, and funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

At the heart of the strategic plan is Pow Wow Pitch’s vision: 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. This vision fuels the organization’s ambitious goal of funding $1 million annually to 100 Indigenous entrepreneurs, a transformative commitment that will accelerate business success and economic empowerment in Indigenous communities.

Strategic Imperatives to Drive Change

To achieve its mission of providing resources and mentorship while amplifying the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs to inspire future generations, Pow Wow Pitch has identified five key strategic imperatives:

Sustainable Funding Model – Developing a sponsorship-driven funding model, with additional support from government and alumni, to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Connected Communities – Strengthening the Pow Wow Pitch community by creating more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Strong Presence and Stories – Expanding the reach of Pow Wow Pitch through increased events, brand visibility, and storytelling to highlight the collective impact of Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Great Talent and Culture – Investing in a team with the right skills and expertise to support long-term growth and success.

Effective Governance – Establishing clear processes and roles to enhance transparency and ensure sustainable decision-making.

Guided by core values of respect, relationships, reciprocity, responsibility, love, courage, and fun, Pow Wow Pitch is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering ecosystem for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This plan calls on the entire Pow Wow Pitch community—including entrepreneurs, advisors, partners, government, and the general public—to play an active role in building a future where Indigenous businesses thrive.

“I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as we launch this strategic plan to guide Pow Wow Pitch’s next phase of growth, while celebrating 10 years of evolution from a sole proprietorship to a thriving non-profit organization. This plan reflects the collective wisdom, leadership, and dedication of our inaugural Board of Directors: the late Karen, alongside Jessica, Matthew, and Michaelee. Grounded in our shared values, this plan will help us empower more Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island by providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we are building a future where Indigenous entrepreneurs create lasting impact for generations,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder and Chair of Pow Wow Pitch.

“This strategic plan marks an exciting and important milestone for Pow Wow Pitch. It sets a bold path forward, ensuring that we continue to grow and expand our reach to serve more Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island. By focusing on sustainable funding, strengthening community connections, and amplifying the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs, we are building a solid foundation for long-term success. I am honoured to be part of this journey and look forward to working alongside our incredible community of partners and entrepreneurs to bring this vision to life,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch.

This strategic plan sets the stage for the next chapter of Pow Wow Pitch’s journey. By aligning resources, relationships, and storytelling with a focused mission, Pow Wow Pitch is poised to create an even greater impact, ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed and inspire future generations. The future of Indigenous entrepreneurship is bright—and Pow Wow Pitch is empowered to lead the way.

Learn more about us at powwowpitch.org/about.

–

Remembering Karen Green
As we look to the future, we also honour the life and work of our Vice-Chair, the late Karen Green, who has made her journey into the spirit world in January 2025. Karen’s leadership, wisdom, and dedication to Indigenous peoples were invaluable to Pow Wow Pitch and to everyone who had the joy of working with her in her many leadership roles. Her impact will be felt for generations and we are forever grateful for the profound contributions she made to our community.

The post Pow Wow Pitch Unveils 5 Year Strategic Plan to Propel Indigenous Entrepreneurship appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

The post Nurturing the Roots of Indigenous Entrepreneurship appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Indigenous entrepreneur Sunshine Tenasco, from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, first conceptualized Pow Wow Pitch after successfully pitching and raising capital from CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Drawing inspiration from her experiences, Sunshine introduced an Indigenous business pitch competition as part of a powwow at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival in 2015.

Since its inception, Pow Wow Pitch has grown exponentially, impacting communities across Canada and the United States with the support and engagement of hundreds of volunteers and aligned partners, including presenting partners RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard.

In 2021, when Pow Wow Pitch became a non-profit organization to continue its commitment to advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship in a lasting and sustainable way, it installed a small custodial board Chaired by Founder Sunshine Tenasco and an establishment Advisory Council. Since then, the organization has scaled its partnerships, programming, and impact, and readied itself to hire its first employees. At the beginning of this year, Naomi Sarazin was appointed as the first Executive Director of the organization, and it was her priority to install its inaugural Board of Directors. 

Joining the Board of Directors are esteemed professionals and entrepreneurial leaders who bring a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to good governance and advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship. 

Karen Green, Lawyer, Policy Consultant and Governance Expert: Karen Green, a Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory lawyer, is a leading advocate for Indigenous rights, particularly for First Nations women and children. With a distinguished career at the Department of Justice, she held key positions, notably as Executive Director of the Federal Centre for Conflict Management. Karen’s influence extends to national levels; she served as CEO of the Native Women’s Association of Canada and authored the women’s chapter of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Report. Now a self-employed lawyer and policy consultant, she continues her impactful work. Karen’s extensive community service includes roles as President of the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start Program and of Kenhteke Midwives. As well as holding other  board positions in various organizations, reflecting her unwavering commitment to Indigenous issues.

“As I embark on this journey as a member of the Board of Directors of Pow Wow Pitch, I am enthused by its potential as a transformative tool for advancing social and economic equity among Indigenous communities through entrepreneurship,” said Karen. “With my extensive background in advocating for Indigenous rights and fostering inclusive policies, I aim to contribute a focus on good governance, organizational longevity, and sustainable and scalable strategies. I firmly believe that Pow Wow Pitch has immense potential to effect meaningful change and am eager to leverage my expertise to ensure its continued impact and success in fostering entrepreneurship and empowerment across Indigenous communities.”

Jessica Zhang-Chapman, CPA, CIA: Jessica, Professor in Accounting at Algonquin College and Founder of Tangram Consulting, brings 15 years of accounting, audit, tax and financial management expertise to the Pow Wow Pitch Board. With a CPA and CIA designation, she ensures financial stewardship and compliance. During her career with Welch LLP, Jessica served over 2,000 clients of varying sizes and industries. A sought-after speaker, she delivers webinars on Board governance and tax topics. Jessica is actively involved in community leadership. She serves on boards including the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and Women’s Economic Council. Recognized with Welch LLP HIO’s 2023 Employer Excellence Award, she champions diversity and inclusion in business.

“I am honoured to join the Board of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Jessica. “I deeply appreciate the openness of the Board for including me as a first-generation immigrant with non-Indigenous identity. I strive to be the conduit for connecting the organization with the diverse business community that I am part of. As a seasoned CPA specializing in nonprofits, I will contribute to building a robust financial system that meets regulatory compliance and prepares the organization for future growth. My commitment is to be a trusted CPA for the Board, the management, and Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

Matthew Nahdee, Co-Owner, Chatham-Kent Barnstormers: Matthew Nahdee, a Walpole Island First Nation member, former Professor at Fanshawe College and serial entrepreneur, is dedicated to advancing Indigenous initiatives. With a passion for startups and community development, he played a pivotal role in establishing Pow Wow Pitch’s Alumni Program. As a Board Director, Matthew aims to expand opportunities for Pow Wow Pitch Alumni. His involvement with impactful organizations like the Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre and the Walpole Island/Bkejwanong Trust demonstrates his commitment to Indigenous empowerment. 

“I am proud to be on the inaugural Board of Directors of Pow Wow Pitch, joining a high-functioning team of Indigenous people and committed allies,” said Matthew Nahdee. “Through social ventures, we can fulfill our Seven Generations philosophy, making life for our people more complete and the world more sustainable. I will bring my passion for social ventures to the organization as we work to advance Indigenous entrepreneurship in our own way.”

Michaelee Lazore, Founder and CEO of Sequoia Soaps: Michaelee Lazore, a member of the Kanien’kehá:ka tribe from Akwesáhsne and the Northern Paiute from Nevada, brings to the Board of Pow Wow Pitch, a distinguished 20-year entrepreneurial career. Michaelee’s Sequoia brand has become a hallmark of Indigenous entrepreneurship, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. As a Pow Wow Pitch Pitcher and Winner turned Judge, Mentor and Alumni, who started in her kitchen and scaled to global success, Michaelee will bring invaluable lived insights to the Pow Wow Pitch Board.

“As a former contestant and someone who has benefitted from Pow Wow Pitch opportunities, I have experienced just about everything our participants will go through,” said Michaelee. “My own personal business goals somewhat mirror Pow Wow Pitch’s in that desire to uplift and assist other Indigenous entrepreneurs and help them succeed. I want to give back to the organization that has given so much to me and my business.”

Each new Board Director will sit for a minimum term of 2 years, with early priorities to establish a 5-year strategy and outlook for the organization. 

“I am honoured these four deeply knowledgeable individuals have agreed to join me on Pow Wow Pitch’s inaugural Board of Directors,” shared Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “They are qualified leaders, each bringing their diverse expertise to provide strategic guidance and good governance as we advance our mission of empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island together. Welcoming Karen, Jessica, Matthew, and Michaelee to the Board of Directors marks a significant milestone for Pow Wow Pitch. I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as we launch into this next growth phase with their leadership.”

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.

The post Pow Wow Pitch Welcomes Inaugural Board of Directors appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

On Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced Puna Tripp, the Kanaka Maoli Founder of Hā Tonics, from Hilo on Hawai’i Island, as the first-ever 2023 Mana Up Pow Wow Pitch Winner. The Native Hawaiian-owned business has won 5,000 USD and is advancing to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Finals for a chance to win $25,000.

On Wednesday, 35 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the Mana Up Showcase in Honolulu, Hawai’i, USA, for their chance to win cash prizes and advance to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Finals. 

Host Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, emceed the action-packed program alongside Mana Up co-founder, Meli James, where Indigenous entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and businesses in one minute for their chance to win prizes and support to make their dreams a reality. 

Following a first-round open pitch, judges Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify; Bernice Parsons, Co-Founder of Vertaccount; Cole Slater, CEO of Maui Divers Jewelry; Kainoa Penaroza Co-Owner of Tag Aloha Co.; and Nohili Thompson, Strategy Consultant from Kamehameha Schools shortlisted the ‘Top 6’ entrepreneurs to advance to round two. 

The Top 6 entrepreneurs were paired with mentors from Maui Divers Jewelry, Tag Aloha Co, and Kamehameha Schools to help them polish their presentations before they pitched one last time to judges Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, Senior Lead Indigenous Entrepreneurship at Shopify; Bernice Parsons, Co-Founder of Vertaccount; Kimié Miner, President and CEO of Haku Collective; Jalene Kanani, Founder of NOHO Home; and Stacy Ferreira, CEO of OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs).

“I’m so honoured and grateful to have won the Mana Up Pow Wow Pitch, said First-place winner and Founder of Hā Tonics, Puna Tripp. “One thing that has been the foundation of starting our business is ‘those who know why will always rise above those who know how.’ Your purpose behind doing what you’re doing matters more than anything. As long as you have a strong ‘why’ you can keep going.”

Hā Tonics is a Hawaiian superfood brand that is providing the strength and vitality of Hawaiian foods in new ways through their superfood products. Hā Tonics currently has three locations on the Island of Hawai’i.

Puna also received the Fan Favourite 500 USD Prize and shared in her pitch that she is going to use her winnings to invest in the local crop farmers where Hā Tonics sources their product from and grow their production together. 

The Second-Place 2,500 USD and Youth Prize 500 Prize USD Winner was fifteen year-old Coen Cadinha, Founder of Keiki Rise. Keiki Rise is an entrepreneurship program created by and for Hawaiian youth. Coen is empowering Hawaiian youth and how they can scale up through mentorship with his program. “Pow Wow Pitch dedicated a whole prize for Youth entrepreneurs and that shows their dedication to Youth entrepreneurship. I am so honoured to be here today, it was such a fun experience.”

The Third-Place 1,000 USD Winner was Tristan Manuel, Co-Founder of Maoli Farms, a Native-urban farm located in Kailua, O’ahu specializing in plants and trees. Maoli Farms also provides backyard Native Growers a platform to reach a wider audience and promote sustainable agriculture. “This was an awesome experience, I was super nervous but being amongst my peers and knowing that we’re all here to support each other was inspiring. I would encourage anyone else to just do it and give it a try!”

“Congratulations to Puna on her Golden Ticket win to advance to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Finals,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “We are in awe of the immense talent of Hawai’i and are so honoured to spotlight their work at the Mana Up Showcase. Puna, your drive to support Hawaiian farmers and promote healing through food is admirable and we are so excited to have you join us in next year’s Grand Finale.

“Hosting the inaugural Mana Up x Pow Wow Pitch in Hawai‘i was inspiring because it brought together our local community with other indigenous communities from across the world. By being together, it illuminated a unique bond over how to blend business with honoring heritage, promoting shared values, and showing how indigenous rooted business methods can make an impact on capitalism as a whole,”  said Meli James, Co-founder of Mana Up. 

“Pow Wow Pitch is a tremendous showcase of Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship, and the stories and achievements of this year’s semi-finalists are a testament to their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Michael Ferencich, Senior Vice President, Business Financial Services, RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists, and we will continue to support 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, Build Native Program Manager 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!”

“At Mastercard, we’ve been inspired by the innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard in Canada. “The future is brighter when Indigenous entrepreneurship is recognized, supported and celebrated, and we are honoured to play a role in continued success and growth of these entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Puna on advancing to the next round.”

All those who pitched at the Mana Up Pow Wow Pitch will receive a 60-day free Shopify trial, and will join the Pow Wow Pitch community for ongoing support.

Puna will now advance to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Finals to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000. Visit www.powwowpitch.org for more information.

The post Puna Tripp, Hā Tonics, wins 2023 Mana Up Pow Wow Pitch appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, and Mastercard, announced a new partnership with the Mana Up to put the spotlight on Indigenous entrepreneurs in Hawai‘i, USA.

Mana Up is a local accelerator for Hawai‘i-based consumer brands scaling to global markets  through multiple programs such as the Mana Up Product Accelerator, House of Mana Up shop -including four brick-and-mortar locations and e-commerce, and the Mana Up Venture Fund.

The Mana Up Showcase is an annual celebration of Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs and rising talent with in-person events in Honolulu on November 8th and 9th and a global livestream on November 19th. The featured entrepreneurs are from Mana Up’s latest entrepreneur growth accelerator, a 6-month program during which local companies get connected to mentors, workshops, sales channels, and resources to help them grow their businesses. 

This year the Mana Up Showcase has expanded the event lineup to include with the first-ever Hawai‘i Pow Wow Pitch competition held on November 8th at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, offering the opportunity for Indigenous and Native-identifying entrepreneurs to win cash prizes, get a “golden ticket” for the 2024 Turtle Island Pow Wow Pitch Finals competition and more.

To enter, participants and entrepreneurs can pre-register their business at powwowpitch.org/manaup. To participate, entrepreneurs will have 1-Minute to Pitch their businesses live, in front of an audience and panel of judges for a chance to win!

The top six pitchers will be paired with mentors before pitching in front of the judges and the Mana Up community. Prizes include 5,000 USD for 1st Place, 2,500 USD for 2nd Place, 1,000 USD for 3rd Place, 500 USD for the Youth Prize and 500 USD for the Fan Favourite. In addition, the 1st Place Winner will also get a Golden Ticket to the 2024 Turtle Island Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000. 

Bringing Pow Wow Pitch to Hawai’i through Mana Up marks a significant milestone in bridging Indigenous communities. This collaboration not only celebrates cultural unity but also amplifies Indigenous entrepreneurship on a broader scale. Together, Pow Wow Pitch and Mana Up have created a powerful synergy, opening new horizons for Indigenous business endeavors spanning borders.

“We’re honored to introduce Pow Wow Pitch to Hawai’i,” expressed Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “This expansion beyond our borders not only fosters unity among Indigenous communities but also enriches our collective entrepreneurial spirit. Our gratitude to Mana Up for joining hands with us on this remarkable journey is immeasurable.”

“The Mana Up Showcase is our annual opportunity to celebrate Hawai‘i’s incredible talent and invite our community to be part of their success. We feel very fortunate that Pow Wow Pitch selected Hawai‘i as the location to debut its pitch competition within the US/Canada region, amplifying the message that Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs are part of a global movement that honors culture, sustainability and other shared values,” says Meli James, Mana Up co-founder. 

All entrepreneurs who pitch, regardless of whether they advance to the Top Six,  will have a chance to advance to the 2024 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.’

The event’s local partner will be Vertaccount, a Hawai‘i-based accounting and bookkeeping services company. Mana Up Pow Wow Pitch is part of the Mana Up Showcase 2023 that is presented by King’s Hawaiian, and supported by Bank of Hawaii, Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water, Shopify and Hawaiian Airlines. 

To learn more and pre-register for the Mana Up Pow Wow Pitch at the Mana Up Showcase, visit powwowpitch.org/manaup. To attend the Mana Up Pow Pow Pitch as a viewer, visit manaupshowcase.com. 

About Pow Wow Pitch

Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops, and accelerates the growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. In addition, community leadership through volunteerism is promoted to reflect respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch. For more information, visit https://www.powwowpitch.org/.

About Mana Up

Mana Up is an accelerator and venture fund for Hawaiʻi-based products growing to markets globally, with the mission to increase economic opportunity and jobs for the people of Hawaiʻi. To date, 85 local companies have participated in the six-month accelerator program that provides expansion opportunities and helps solve business challenges. For more information about the accelerator program, visit www.manauphawaii.com, and to shop House of Mana Up, visit https://houseofmanaup.com.  

Mana Up is supported by Kamehameha Schools, Castle & Cooke Hawai’i, Bank of Hawaii, ALTRES, Hawaiian Airlines, Kaiser Permanente Hawai’i, Hawai’i Technology Development Corporation, Innovate Hawai’i, American Savings Bank, Ulupono Initiative, Young Brothers, UHA Health Insurance, Pineapple Tweed, Shopify, Foodland and Dole.

About Vertaccount

Vertaccount is a boutique Finance and Accounting Outsourcing provider with offices and affiliates in Hawaii, New York, Singapore, Australia, Philippines.

The post Pow Wow Pitch and Mana Up Partner to Support Native Hawaiian Entrepreneurs appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

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/

The post Pow Wow Pitch Partners with Raven Indigenous Capital Partners to Scale Impact to US Indigenous Entrepreneurs appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

On Saturday, August 26th, 2023, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify,and Mastercard in collaboration with Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and The Ginger Agency, announced Lisa Perley Dutcher, Founder of Kehkimin Wolastoqey language immersion school, from the Wolastoqey Nation as the first-ever A Taste of the Atlantic Pow Wow Pitch Winner. The Indigenous-owned business has won $1,000 and a $5,000 valued digital marketing package courtesy of The Ginger Agency.

On Saturday, 16 Indigenous entrepreneurs pitched their businesses live at the A Taste of the Atlantic Powwow in Fredericton, New Brunswick, for their chance to win cash and in-kind prizes to advance their businesses.

A Taste of the Atlantic Festival is a two-weekend event to celebrate Indigenous culture through food, art, music, and language. This year the festival featured a powwow at the York Arena in Fredericton. Festival Founder and Pow Wow Pitch Alumni, Jenna White, was passionate about bringing Pow Wow Pitch to the event to support local vendors, “My experience with Pow Wow Pitch has helped me to grow and gain confidence as an entrepreneur, so being able to come full circle to now help provide those opportunities to my own community, means so much to me.” 

Pow Wow Pitch welcomed judges Laura Englehart, Economic Development Manager of JEDI, Jenna White, Founder and CEO of A Taste of the Atlantic, and Sarah Martell, President of The Ginger Agency, to adjudicate and listen to the pitches of vendors and attendees.

First-Place Winner, Lisa Perley-Dutcher, Founder and Director of Kehkimin, a non-profit Wolastoqey Language Immersion School, founded her school with the purpose to replenish and revitalize the traditional language and knowledge of the Walostoqey people. Through her school programming, she is able to strengthen and sustain a whole new generation of fluent speakers. Lisa shared in her pitch that Kehkimin is growing and she is now able to support an additional eight students starting in the fall. 

“Pow Wow Pitch is supporting something that is so vital to our people and our language,” said Lisa. “[with the funding and in-kind support] we can make sure that our new students are well supported.” 

The Second-Place $750 Prize Winner was Abby Brooks, Founder and Head Organizer of the NYE Powwow, an event created specifically for the sober community to gather during the holidays to find a safe space to bring in the new year. Abby shared in her pitch what the NYE Powwow means to her and her community and pitched to win funds to support elders, powwow drummers, singers, and dancers. “Pow Wow Pitch has been an amazing experience,” said Abby. “I was glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and took the leap. This is going to get us started for the holiday season and we are so grateful for this opportunity!”

The Third-Place $500 winner was Ashley Sanipass, Founder of Mi’kmaq Art Experience, a hands-on art experience created to teach the traditional art styles and language of the Mi’kmaq people through workshops and art kits. Ashley pitched to win funds to develop her youth programming and to provide more materials and variety to her art kits. “My Pow Wow Pitch experience was unexpected today but so fun!” said Ashley. “It means so much to me that people are recognizing the work that I do.” 

“Congratulations to Kekimin for winning the first-ever Taste of the Atlantic Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Revitalizing Indigenous language is such important work and we are so happy to be able to support the future generation of students. Thank you, also, to A Taste of the Atlantic, Ginger Agency and JEDI for supporting Pow Wow Pitch to join this great event to put the spotlight on and support local Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

“It was such a great experience to join the Pow Wow Pitch team to recognize Indigenous entrepreneurship at the Taste of the Atlantic Festival,” said Sarah Martell, President of The Ginger Agency. “The participants in the competition displayed incredible heart, passion, and dedication for their work – it was inspiring. The winners are truly deserving of their prize and will undoubtedly continue delivering their impact in their communities. Ginger feels honoured to have had the opportunity to support the day’s events.”

“Pow Wow Pitch is a tremendous showcase of Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship, and the stories and achievements of this year’s semi-finalists are a testament to their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Michael Ferencich, Senior Vice President, Business Financial Services, RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists, and we will continue to support their growth and success in the future.”

“Being involved in Pow Wow Pitch is not just an honor, 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!”

“At Mastercard, we’ve been inspired by the innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard in Canada. “The future is brighter when Indigenous entrepreneurship is recognized, supported and celebrated, and we are honoured to play a role in continued success and growth of these entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Tara on advancing to the next round.”

All those who pitched at the Taste of the Atlantic Pow Wow Pitch will receive a free .CA domain name courtesy of CIRA, a 60-day free Shopify trial, and will join the Pow Wow Pitch community for ongoing support.

The post Lisa Perley Dutcher, Kehkimin, wins A Taste of the Atlantic Pow Wow Pitch appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.