In 2022, Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy launched the Tech-4-Youth program, equipping young Indigenous entrepreneurs with essential technology to elevate their business ventures. As the primary partner for the Pow Wow Pitch Youth category, Best Buy fosters the growth of these aspiring leaders by providing mentorship to help them refine their one-minute pitches for a chance to win cash prizes. 

The Tech-4-Youth program welcomed applications from Pow Wow Pitch Alumni aged 19 years and under, from across Canada, demonstrating Best Buy’s strong commitment to supporting each of their entrepreneurial journeys and nurturing a vibrant future where they can thrive. Their entrepreneurial ventures span a wide range of creative and educational fields, each deeply rooted in community impact. Each youth will be equipped with new technology to elevate their businesses, highlighting the diversity of Indigenous entrepreneurship in education, craftsmanship, digital media, and cultural preservation.

Meet the 2024 Tech-4-Youth Recipients

Simon Monteith, the Founder of Simon the Scientist from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, residing in Winnipeg, MB, provides YouTube online learning for kids, explaining science from an Indigenous perspective. Simon is receiving an AnkerMake M5 3D printer with filament, as well as a microscope with a built-in camera to support him with video production for his educational videos.

Cadence Cotter, Owner of Manes and Reins Equestrian Co., a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and residing in Linwood, ON, provides custom products for both equines and equestrians. Cadence is receiving an Apple iPhone 15 and OtterBox phone case to enhance her ability to take orders, which typically arrive via text or phone calls. 

Damon Martin, Owner of Nomad Prints from Haisla Nation, residing in Surrey, BC, is striving to launch a 3D printing business that will feature a YouTube channel showcasing the ease and fun of creating cool 3D printed items, which he plans to sell at craft fairs and kids’ entrepreneur events. Damon is receiving a AnkerMake M5 3D printer with filament and a Dell XPS laptop to support his venture in creating tutorial videos to inspire other youth by showing just how fun and easy 3D printing can be.

Isabella McBain-Nepton, Co-Owner of Carie McBain Creations and Supplies from Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, residing in Ottawa, ON, is a business that sells bead supplies and beadwork online and at powwows. Isabella is receiving an Apple iPhone 15 and OtterBox phone case to take higher quality photos for their business, helping to showcase their intricate beadwork and supplies with greater detail. 

Kashtin Delorme, Founder of KASHT2N PRODUCTIONS from Cowessess First Nation, residing in Melville, SK, provides photography and videography for events including powwows. Kashtin is receiving a Sony Alpha 7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera with a Lens Kit to help produce high quality work for current and future clients.

“I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Best Buy for their generous support in providing technology to Indigenous youth,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “These tools empower our youth to bring their business visions to life. With Best Buy’s partnership with the Tech-4-Youth program, our young entrepreneurs now have the resources they need to thrive in today’s digital economy and continue their journeys with confidence and creativity. Congratulations to Simon, Cadence, Damon, Isabella, and Kashtin for being selected as this year’s Tech-4-Youth recipients! We are excited to see how each of you will leverage these tech grants to elevate your businesses and create meaningful impact in your communities.”

To watch the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Finals, click here.

The post Pow Wow Pitch Announces 2024 Best Buy Tech-4-Youth Technology Grant Recipients appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

On September 14th, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, awarded 9 technology grants for young Indigenous entrepreneurs through the Tech-4-Youth program supported by Best Buy Canada.

Last year, Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy launched the Tech-4-Youth program, offering essential technology to young Indigenous entrepreneurs. This year, Best Buy upped its involvement by becoming the main sponsor for the Pow Wow Pitch Youth competition, where youth have one minute to pitch their businesses for cash prizes. Additionally, Best Buy expanded their tech contributions to include young entrepreneurs from previous years. 

The 2023 recipients of the Tech-4-Youth grants are between 9 and 18 years of age and come from across Canada. Their entrepreneurial ventures span science education, snack delivery, counseling centers, graphic design, equestrian services, beading, learning centers, teddy bear crafting, and powwow dancing lessons.

Meet the 2023 Tech-4-Youth Recipients:

Simon Monteith, the Founder of Simon the Scientist from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, residing in Winnipeg, MB, provides Youtube online learning for kids, explaining science from an Indigenous perspective. Simon is receiving an Apple iPhone 14, OtterBox Case, Gimbal Stabilizer, Selfie Ring Light Tripod and an Apple MacBook Air to support him with video production for his educational videos.

Riel Migwans Beam, Owner for Riel’s Variety, from M’Chigeeng, ON is on a mission to provide “the best snacks the planet can provide”. Riel delivers his snacks to classmates at Manitoulin Secondary School and through his website, he ships worldwide! Riel is receiving an Apple iPhone 14 Pro and OtterBox Case to support him with keeping up with business orders and mobility. 

Cambria Wichmann, Founder of Resilience Rising from Simpcw First Nation, who lives in Abbotsford, BC, has an idea for developing a centre for at-risk-youth to access Indigenous counsellors, programming, and a safe space to learn and play. Cambria is receiving an Apple iPhone 14, OtterBox Case, and Acer Aspire Laptop to support her to set up a website, organize her business, and to improve efficiency when working with collaborators.

Taren Cardinal, a striving graphic designer and YouTuber from the Plains Cree First Nation, is looking to take his love for code to the next level to create games. Taren is receiving an Acer Nitro Gaming Laptop, a Numark Party Mix II DJ Sound Board and a Blue Yeti Game Streaming Kit with Mic to support him with his production and to improve his communication with others. 

Cadence Cotter, Owner and Founder of Manes and Reins Equestrian Co., who is Métis from Georgian Bay, Ontario, has built a subscription box for equestrian lovers like her, that include brushes, hangers and signs. Cadence is receiving an Apple iPad, OtterBox Case and Apple Pencil to support her with being able to independently design her own products and manage her online Shopify store.

Eleanora Martin, is from the Haisla Nation, operating from Surrey, BC. Eleanora creates Indigenous beaded earrings and accessories and wants to start offering classes on beading. Eleanora is receiving a Square Reader and Canon Pixma Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer & Ink to help her create and sell new designs.

Keira Tootoosis, from Onion Lake Cree Nation, who livesSaskatoon, SK, is creating memorial teddy bears with voice boxes for the recordings of voices and loving messages from loved ones who have passed on. Keira is receiving an Acer Aspire Laptop to support her with receiving custom orders. 

Aurora Lynn Cardinal, is from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation and lives in Edmonton, AB. Aurora offers powwow dancing lessons and regalia rentals to help make traditional clothing more accessible to those learning to dance. Aurora is receiving an Apple iPhone 14, OtterBox Case and an Acer Aspire Laptop to support her with self-made advertisement production and to help her record dancing videos at powwows. 

Ruby Daniels, is the co-owner and operator of the student-run company, 3R Innovative Imaging from One Arrow First Nation, Saskatchewan. Ruby, together with her classmates, upcycle trash into beautiful art, which they sell at local retailers across the province. Best Buy is providing the team at 3R Innovative Imaging with 6 Acer Aspire Laptops, a Square Reader, an Apple iPad and OtterBox Case, an Apple iPhone 14, a Canon Pixma Wireless All-in-One Printer and Ink, a Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with memory card and bag and a light-box to support the team with strengthening their skills and further developing their online social media platforms. 

“Thank you, Best Buy, for continuing this initiative with Pow Wow Pitch and supporting our inspiring youth,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Access to digital tech is a game changer and equalizer for early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs and the Tech-4-Youth grants will go a long way in supporting their entrepreneurial journeys. Congratulations to Simon, Riel, Cambria, Taren, Cadence, Eleanora, Keira, Aurora, and the 3R Innovative Imaging Team, for being selected as this year’s Tech-4-Youth recipients! We know you will take these tech grants to take your visions and businesses to the next level as you work to make an impact in your communities.”

To watch the 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Youth Semi-Finals, click here.

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