PHOTO: NACCA community mentor, Ashley Clark, and her Pow Wow Pitch mentee at the 2024 Summer Solstice Pow Wow Pitch.

Pow Wow Pitch and NACCA strengthen commitment to Indigenous business growth

March 24, 2025

Pow Wow Pitch and the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) have solidified their partnership for 2025, commencing the third year of a three-year commitment. This collaboration underscores a joint effort to empower Indigenous business owners across Canada.

Since establishing NACCA’s office in the National Capital Region as Pow Wow Pitch’s headquarters in 2024, Pow Wow Pitch has been able to co-host information sessions, engage with local communities for in-person volunteering, and collaborate with NACCA’s ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub to support the community. Additionally, Pow Wow Pitch utilizes ADAAWE’s studio to record Tuesday Tips and the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, further enhancing its ability to share knowledge and inspire Indigenous entrepreneurs.

As a Seed Partner, NACCA will engage its team members as mentors and judges for the virtual pitch competition and on-the-ground events at powwows across Canada. Furthermore, NACCA’s CEO will continue to serve on Pow Wow Pitch’s Advisory Council to guide its growth.

Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of NACCA, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating, “Partnering with Pow Wow Pitch strengthens our commitment to fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship. Through this partnership, NACCA and our Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) can expand their reach, providing greater support to Indigenous entrepreneurs as they launch and grow successful businesses.”

“Our collaboration with NACCA is about creating more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “By combining our strengths, we can increase access to essential resources, mentorship, and financial support, empowering Indigenous business owners to turn their visions into reality.”

As both organizations continue to align their efforts, the path is set for meaningful progress in advancing Indigenous-led businesses.

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 NACCA

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is the unified voice of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) across Canada, dedicated to fostering economic growth and self-reliance for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities. As the backbone of Indigenous business development, IFIs have provided over 53,000 loans totaling more than $3.3 billion to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit-owned businesses for more than 35 years.

For more information, visit nacca.ca.