Calling all Indigenous entrepreneurs in Ontario, register to win cash prizes for your business!
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 Canada, announced its collaboration with the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, with local partners Invest Ottawa, MINI TIPI, and ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub, taking place on Anishinābeg Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario on June 22, 2024.
The 29th annual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival takes place at Mādahòkì Farm, Indigenous Experiences property located in Ottawa’s Green Belt. It is Canada’s only Indigenous Agri-tourism destination and working farm. The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival features many Indigenous People’s Day celebrations, a competition powwow, and many other events that celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples!
For the ninth year, Summer Solstice has invited Pow Wow Pitch to come celebrate and put the spotlight on Indigenous vendors, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, filmmakers, and innovators attending the powwow.
How It Works
To enter, vendors, attendees and entrepreneurs can pre-register for limited audition spots here: powwowpitch.org/summer-solstice, with a few spots reserved on the lottery for those who just turn up and want to pitch. To audition, entrepreneurs will have 1-minute to Pitch their ideas or businesses for a chance to win!
The top 10 pitchers will be paired with mentors before pitching to the judges and the Summer Solstice 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.
“The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is thrilled to be hosting Pow Wow Pitch once again,” said Trina Mather-Simard, Executive Director & Producer of the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. “This incredible opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs started right here on our Storytelling Stage. Each year we are blown away by the brilliance of our Indigenous community and love to watch them confidently pitch and ultimately grow their idea into a successful business.”
“We are so thrilled to bring Pow Wow Pitch back to the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. Every year we are so inspired by all the vendors and artists,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is so special to us and the origins of Pow Wow Pitch; we are so proud to continue this partnership for the ninth consecutive year. Together, we’re not just creating a platform for Indigenous entrepreneurs, we’re shaping a movement that champions Indigenous innovation and resilience.”
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 Powwowmarket.ca, will receive a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA, and a 60-day free Shopify Trial.
Visit powwowpitch.org/summer-solstice to learn more and to pre-register to pitch.