April 1, 2025 | Pow Wow Pitch, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, proudly announces the launch of its tenth annual competition, inviting Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island to participate. Co-presented by Mastercard and RBC, the competition boasts over $100,000 in cash prizes.
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; Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) Powwow in Fredericton, NB in June 2025, and one additional in-person event 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.
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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.