Timiskaming business wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 9th, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts a Turtle Island wide Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify and Mastercard Canada, announced Lisa Vicaire, the Founder of Algonquin Acres, a business based in Timiskaming First Nation, Quebec, as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Health & Wellness Semi-Final Winner. Lisa has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
More than 300 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States) applied to Pow Wow Pitch this year for their chance to win cash prizes and advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. From the 300 applicants, 100 were selected as Semi-Finalists and provided with training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges.
Last night, ten Health & Wellness Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their organizations and community initiatives in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and advance as a finalist.
Judges included Na Sha, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services, Indigenous Markets at RBC; Maite Jacobson, Senior Benefits Specialist at Shopify; Mahdi Gokal, Market Development Manager at Mastercard; and Maxime Crawford, Senior Relationship Manager of Mid Market Business at EDC.
“Hard work pays off, and will lead the way to dreams coming true,” shared Lisa Vicaire, Founder of Algonquin Acres. “I want every Indigenous entrepreneur to know that there is a whole team of supporters out there waiting for them, and it’s time to come find us in the Pow Wow Pitch community!”
Algonquin Acres is an equestrian therapy centre that hosts riding programs and clinics. Lisa started Algonquin Acres in 2022 and was inspired to bring her dream to life after witnessing the transformative impact equine therapy had for her own daughter’s health. Lisa is certified in equine assisted learning from the University of Guelph and is able to offer tailored therapeutic programs that combine cultural traditions with evidence-based practices.
Lisa pitched to win funds to expand Algonquin Acres’ facilities to include a dedicated cultural space to host ceremonies, sacred fire, traditional medicine garden, and Indigenous art space. Lisa also hopes to add two Ojibwe spirit horses to their family who will reside in their ancestor’s traditional styled fencing.
“I’d like to thank my parents for their unwavering support, my daughter Sophia for being my inspiration every day, and all the families and students that attend Algonquin Acres, you are all so important to us,” expressed Lisa.
The judges congratulate Lisa on an excellent pitch and thank Lisa for sharing her story and how her farm is changing lives in and around her community.
“Congratulations Lisa on your Semi-Final win and for advancing to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Lisa’s vision to expand Algonquin Acres to include cultural aspects to provide culture-based therapeutic experiences is nothing short of remarkable. We look forward to spotlighting Lisa and sharing more about Algonquin Acres with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Health & Wellness industry category. Daphne Lavoie, Founder of First Star CPR, was recognized for an engaging and enthusiastic pitch, clear presentation, and a positive community impact to equip others with important life saving skills.
“Pow Wow Pitch is an incredible showcase of Indigenous trailblazers who are making a transformative impact on our communities with their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering commitment to success.” said Tracy Antoine, Senior Director of Indigenous Programs and Policies at RBC. “We’re so proud of all our participants and semi-finalists – their courage to participate leads to life achievements and their shared stories are truly inspirational. We are committed to supporting 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, 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!”
“The innovative thinking and solutions brought forward by all the Indigenous entrepreneurs involved in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch have been truly inspiring,” said Sasha Krstic, President of Mastercard Canada. “At Mastercard, we’re committed to working with partners like Pow Wow Pitch to unlock access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across the diverse communities we serve to power economies and empower people. Congratulations to all the pitchers and congratulations to Lisa on advancing to the next round.”
To watch Lisa’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Health & Wellness Semi-Final episode, click here.
Lisa will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 23rd. Register to watch the 2024 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.