Calling all Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia, 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 Kamloopa Powwow Society, with local partners CFDC of CIFN and ANTCO, taking place in Secwepemcúl’ecw Territory, Kamloops, British Columbia on June 28 and 29, 2024.
The 43rd Annual Kamloopa Powwow is taking place June 28-30, 2024 at the beautiful Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour) within Secwepemcúl’ecw to celebrate and honour the community’s vibrant Indigenous culture through dancing and singing.
Kamloopa Powwow Society is hosting Pow Wow Pitch for a third year to put the spotlight on Indigenous vendors, entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers, creators, and innovators attending Kamloopa. Vendors and attendees will have the opportunity to pitch to win $10,000 in cash prizes to take their ideas and businesses to the next level.
How It Works
To enter, vendors, attendees and entrepreneurs can pre-register for limited audition spots here: powwowpitch.org/kamloopa, 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 Kamloopa 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 and Kamloopa Powwow have grown together over the past three years, strengthening each other in remarkable ways,” said Melissa Mathias, Treasurer of Kamloopa Powwow Society. “It’s been an incredible platform for Kamloopa participants and attendees, bringing the community back to the powwow spirit while showcasing the best of Kamloopa to Turtle Island.”
“Kamloopa stands as one of the most beautiful powwows on Turtle Island,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “In 2024, we are thrilled to deepen our partnership with the Kamloopa Powwow Society. We are humbled by the resilience and unity demonstrated by this community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive celebration that not only showcases creativity but also honours the diverse ventures thriving within Indigenous communities. Kamloopa sets a progressive example and continues to lead the way, and we are honoured to bring Pow Wow Pitch to this gathering.”
For the first time, Kamloopa Pow Wow Pitch is co-presented by two Indigenous economic development organizations, CFDC of CIFN and ANTCO. Their partnership enables $10,000 in cash prizes and on-site mentoring, judging, and ongoing support for participants.
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/kamloopa to learn more and to pre-register to pitch.