Pow Wow Pitch, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, proudly announces the renewal of its partnership with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) for the second consecutive year. This partnership signifies a commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering economic growth in New Brunswick’s Indigenous communities.
Building on the success of their inaugural collaboration at the Nataoganeg Powwow last year, Pow Wow Pitch and JEDI have continued to strengthen their alliance, collaborating on impactful initiatives such as the Taste of the Atlantic Festival in 2023 and the New Brunswick Indigenous Tourism Summit earlier this year. This collaboration underscores a shared vision to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs and connect them with opportunities for growth and success.
“We are always so happy to collaborate with Pow Wow Pitch to create opportunities that support and highlight the immense talent we have here in New Brunswick,” expressed Stanley Barnaby, CEO of JEDI. “JEDI recognizes the immense potential of Indigenous businesses to drive economic growth while honoring our heritage. We are thrilled to extend our support to provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with prizes and recognition that celebrates their achievements with our entire community.”
Echoing this sentiment, Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch, remarked, “We are thrilled to grow our impact with the Joint Economic Development Initiative. We are eagerly anticipating our presence in New Brunswick and cannot wait to engage with all Indigenous entrepreneurs. It’s an opportunity for us to extend a warm welcome to them into the Pow Wow Pitch community and forge meaningful connections that foster growth and success.”
In 2024, JEDI will sponsor Pow Wow Pitch at the Tobique Powwow on July 27th, providing prizes and connecting Indigenous entrepreneurs with crucial resources such as financing and mentorship. Additionally, JEDI will serve as a Round 1 Judge at the event and offer mentorship to the Top 10 pitchers, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship.
By investing in Pow Wow Pitch, JEDI aims to contribute to the creation of new opportunities for fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs and to scale their impact. This partnership exemplifies how Indigenous-led entities can support Indigenous entrepreneurship and work towards economic reconciliation in Canada.
As Pow Wow Pitch and JEDI continue to collaborate and grow together, they remain dedicated to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick and beyond, driving positive change and economic prosperity within Indigenous communities.
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 JEDI
The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is an Indigenous organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous participation in New Brunswick’s economy. JEDI began in 1995 as a tripartite partnership between Indigenous communities in New Brunswick, the Government of Canada, and the Government of New Brunswick. In 2009, JEDI was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization and over the years JEDI has grown into an Indigenous organization focused on working closely with its partners from Indigenous communities, organizations, government, and the private sector to foster Indigenous economic development in New Brunswick.
For more information, visit jedinb.ca.