Calling all Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba, register to win cash prizes for your business!
Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, co-presented by Mastercard and RBC, proudly announces its continued partnership with the Manito Ahbee Festival. This year, Pow Wow Pitch and the Manito Ahbee Festival come together to celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship while marking two significant milestones: Pow Wow Pitch’s 10th anniversary and the Manito Ahbee Festival’s 20th anniversary. Taking place in Treaty 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 17, 2025.
The Manito Ahbee Festival, held May 16-18, 2025 at the Red River Exhibition Park, celebrates Indigenous arts, culture, and music, featuring new events and partnerships. As part of the Manito Ahbee Festival’s 20 Year Anniversary Celebration, attendees can expect a dynamic pitch competition, networking, and an opportunity to support and invest in Indigenous-owned businesses. This partnership not only honours tradition but also propels Indigenous entrepreneurs forward, ensuring that culture and economics go hand in hand.
This year’s incredible lineup of events celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage makes Manito Ahbee the perfect place to showcase your business.
How It Works
To enter, vendors, attendees and entrepreneurs can pre-register for limited spots here: powwowpitch.org/manito-ahbee, with a few spots reserved on the lottery for those who just turn up and want to showcase their business. To pitch, entrepreneurs will have 1-minute to present their ideas or businesses for a chance to win!
The top 10 pitchers will be paired with mentors to refine their final pitch before presenting to the judges and will also advance to the Turtle Island Semi-Finals where they will have another chance to pitch for the $25,000 Grand Prize. Prizes at Manito Ahbee 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. The 1st place winner will also receive a Golden Ticket to the Turtle Island Finale.
In addition, North Forge will award a one-year membership to their Fabrication Lab—valued at $1,980—to an Indigenous entrepreneur at the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch.
Beyond awarding prizes to Indigenous entrepreneurs, the collaboration with the Manito Ahbee Festival strengthens the Indigenous community and empowers entrepreneurs to thrive. Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, shares her excitement: “As Pow Wow Pitch celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are thrilled to celebrate alongside the Manito Ahbee Festival as they mark 20 years of honouring Indigenous culture and excellence. Together, we’re uplifting and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, igniting the spirit of innovation, and creating opportunities for this generation while inspiring the next.”
“Manito Ahbee has always been a space for Indigenous excellence and cultural celebration. By partnering with Pow Wow Pitch, we are honouring our legacy of Indigenous economy. For two decades, the Manito Ahbee Festival has been a gathering place where we share our stories, and uplift our people. We are proud to collaborate with Pow Wow Pitch to support Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba and beyond. This partnership represents the strength of our community and celebrates the power of Indigenous innovation.” said Lisa Meeches, Executive Director of the Manito Ahbee Festival.
Join us at the Manito Ahbee Festival and pitch your business to win cash prizes of up to $5,000! This is your opportunity to showcase your talent, share your story, and inspire our community. Register now and be a part of the celebration!
All Indigenous entrepreneurs that pitch will be welcomed into the Pow Wow Pitch community and gain 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 will receive a free .CA domain courtesy of CIRA.
Purchase your ticket for the 2025 Manito Ahbee Festival here and visit powwowpitch.org/manito-ahbee to learn more and pre-register to pitch.
Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada and the United States are also welcomed to pitch for the Turtle Island Pow Wow Pitch Competition held online at powwowpitch.org/pitch until June 3, 2025.