Paddle Prairie Métis business based in Grande Prairie, Alberta 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 Jason Lizotte, the Paddle Prairie Métis Founder of Nipiy Industries, a business based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, as the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Innovation Semi-Final Winner. Jason has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow his 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, five Innovation 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.
“I am so excited, grateful and proud to be given this opportunity,” shared Jason Lizotte, Founder of Nipiy Industries. “It’s been a lot of hard work establishing Nipiy and this is a great achievement to be selected for the finals. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us on our journey with this support. I know we can achieve great success together. Hiy Hiy.”
Nipiy Industries began in 2018 when Jason saw the opportunity to develop a new portable, self-contained, and solar powered hand-washing station for rural and remote communities. Jason’s Nipiy Washing Stations have been instrumental for providing access to safe and clean stations for industrial and construction sites. Some models even feature emergency safety showers and eyewash stations. Jason is proud to have patented his design and hopes to continue serving communities and providing eco-friendly solutions to meet the needs of rural and remote communities.
Jason pitched to win funds to conduct further research and upgrade Nipiy’s technology that will increase accessibility and user friendliness.
“A few lessons I’ve learned are to be patient, surround yourself with mentors, and find a good support system,” reflected Jason. “Keep growing your network as much as possible and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
The judges congratulate Jason for his unique and innovative approach to solving a problem. The judges applaud Jason’s work ethic to make his idea into a reality and congratulate him on patenting his product.
“Congratulations Jason 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. “Jason’s dedication to developing innovative, eco-friendly solutions for rural and remote Indigenous communities is truly inspiring. His commitment to bringing advanced technology and ensuring access to clean and safe hand-washing stations to rural communities demonstrates his commitment to help keep businesses, families, and communities healthy. We look forward to spotlighting Jason and sharing more about Nipiy Industries with the Pow Wow Pitch community and growing our impact together.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledge the Runner Up for the Innovation industry category. Felisha Crier-Hosein, Founder of PregZen, was recognized for her innovative product and passion to solve a solution for those who are postpartum, healing from surgery, or elderly with additional needs.
“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 Jason on advancing to the next round.”
To watch Jason’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Innovation Semi-Final episode, click here.
Jason 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.