CIRA and Pow Wow Pitch Extend Partnership to Empower Indigenous Entrepreneurs with Digital Access

March 25, 2024

CIRA, the not-for-profit behind building a trusted internet in Canada, is proud to announce the extension of its partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs. This collaboration aims to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with vital digital access, mentorship, and resources to thrive in the online business landscape.

As part of this partnership extension, CIRA continues its support for Pow Wow Pitch as a Seed-Level Sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship. As Canada’s official .CA registry, CIRA will provide participants with a complimentary .CA domain for their business, supported by their partner, Web Hosting Canada. This initiative aims to break down barriers and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to launch and expand their online ventures. 

Pow Wow Pitch will also leverage CIRA’s expertise to launch an Indigenous Entrepreneurs Toolkit featuring CIRA’s Indigenous stock photos and resources for .CA businesses. This toolkit will provide valuable guidance and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their online presence.

In addition to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs launch their online presences, CIRA will continue to actively engage its employees as mentors and judges for Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs, both virtually and in-person at powwows across Canada. 

Spencer Callaghan, Director of Brand and Communications at CIRA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Indigenous entrepreneurs are building businesses that make a difference in their communities and beyond. As years long partners and supporters of Pow Wow Pitch, we’re excited to continue our partnership with Pow Wow Pitch and champion the success of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada.”

Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled to be extending our partnership  with CIRA into another year, bringing to light the narratives of Indigenous entrepreneurs and bolstering their efforts by providing complimentary .CA domains to launch their online business pursuits.”

By collaborating with Pow Wow Pitch, CIRA aims to contribute to the growth of resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing them with access to the early steps of building an online startup. This partnership exemplifies how corporate entities can support Indigenous entrepreneurship and work towards economic reconciliation together.

For more information about the CIRA Indigenous stock photo set and the partnership with Pow Wow Pitch, visit powwowpitch.org/cira

About Pow Wow Pitch 

Pow Wow Pitch is an entrepreneurship program for emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, which provides a safe, supportive, collaborative, empowering and culturally supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. Pow Wow Pitch enhances, develops and accelerates the growth for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs in a sustainable way through programs and resources. Community leadership through volunteerism is promoted as a reflection of respect and reciprocity as the foundation of the Pow Wow Pitch. 

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.

About CIRA

CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada’s internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA represents Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet.

For more information, visit cira.ca.