Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce the extension of its partnership with Best Buy Canada through 2025. With Best Buy’s continued support, Pow Wow Pitch will empower even more Indigenous youth across the country by providing funding, one-on-one mentorship, and access to essential technology to jumpstart their businesses.
As a Seed Partner, Best Buy Canada supports the Youth Category of Pow Wow Pitch’s Semi-Finals, providing mentorship to Indigenous youth under 21 to help them refine their pitches. The expansion of the Youth Category marks a significant milestone for both Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy Canada in their shared mission to scale impact and provide more resources to young Indigenous entrepreneurs. Best Buy Canada also plays a key role in the adjudication process, helping select the $1,000 Youth Prize Semi-Final Winner, who will advance to the Grand Finale to compete for the Grand Prize.
Through this partnership, Indigenous youth entrepreneurs across Canada can submit a ‘Request for Tech’ to apply for essential technology to launch and operate their businesses. Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy Canada will review and evaluate these requests to help equip Indigenous youth with the technology they need to thrive. The 2025 Tech 4 Youth program is set to launch on April 9 at powwowpitch.org/tech-4-youth.
The success of the Tech 4 Youth program over the past three years has put technology in the hands of 25 young Indigenous entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools needed to develop their businesses, enhance their digital presence, and support their operations. This program has been instrumental in helping young Indigenous entrepreneurs overcome digital barriers, empowering them to bring their ideas to life and grow their businesses with confidence.
Beyond providing technology to young Indigenous entrepreneurs, Best Buy Canada is also amplifying Pow Wow Pitch’s storytelling impact by offering Best Buy gift cards to successful Tech 4 Youth recipients who share how their technology will support their entrepreneurial journey. By showcasing these stories, Pow Wow Pitch and Best Buy Canada aim to inspire more Indigenous youth to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
“We are excited to continue supporting Pow Wow Pitch in an expanded capacity, providing technology, mentorship, and funding to empower Indigenous youth as they prepare to become future founders,” said Karen Arsenault, Head of Social Impact at Best Buy Canada. “Our employees find immense value in mentoring these young entrepreneurs, and we’re proud to help amplify the incredible work Pow Wow Pitch is doing across.”
“Youth are the heart and future of our Indigenous communities,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “As Indigenous peoples, we are always thinking about the next seven generations, and empowering our youth is key to ensuring not only their success but the success of our communities. By supporting their dreams, providing the resources they need, and opening up opportunities, we’re helping shape a brighter future—not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Through impactful programs and partnerships, Best Buy Canada is committed to
creating opportunities for youth by connecting them with tech. By working with organizations like Pow Wow Pitch, Best Buy Canada continues to play a vital role in fostering the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed and make a lasting impact in their communities.
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 Best Buy Canada
A wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY), Best Buy Canada Ltd. is one of Canada’s largest and most innovative omnichannel retailers, operating the Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, and Geek Squad ( www.geeksquad.ca ) brands. With over 160 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores across Canada and an expanded assortment of lifestyle products offered through BestBuy.ca, Best Buy is a leader in total retail, catering to customers how, when, and where they want to shop. Best Buy Canada is committed to making a positive impact in the community with programs and partnerships that support youth to connect with technology to advance their education.
For more information, visit bestbuy.ca.