PHOTO: Nermin Sa'd of North Forge with the Winners of the 1-Year North Forge Membership at the 2024 Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch.

Pow Wow Pitch partners with North Forge to support Manitoba’s Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to resources

April 7, 2025

Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with North Forge as a local partner of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch. North Forge is providing local Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to tools and resources to bring their ideas to life.

North Forge is a not-for-profit startup incubator, accelerator, and home to one of North America’s largest publicly accessible fabrication labs (FabLab™). Driven by community and collaboration, North Forge creates inclusive spaces where entrepreneurs can innovate, build, and scale. Through tailored programs, expert mentorship, and access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, they empower founders from all backgrounds to turn bold ideas into thriving businesses. Rooted in inclusivity, support, and ethical leadership, North Forge is committed to building a stronger and more diverse innovation ecosystem, one startup at a time.

As part of the partnership, North Forge will provide an Indigenous entrepreneur participating in the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch with a 1-year membership to their Fabrication Lab, a prize valued at $1,980.

“At North Forge, we believe in the transformative impact of entrepreneurship on communities. We are honoured to partner with Pow Wow Pitch and support this year’s Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch,” said Dana Driedger, Director of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives at North Forge. “Empowering entrepreneurs is central to our mission, and we are proud to support Indigenous innovators as they grow their ideas into thriving businesses. Together we’re building a more inclusive innovation ecosystem that celebrates culture, drives economic growth, and creates lasting impact within the Indigenous community.”

“Collaboration is key to expanding support for Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch.  “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with North Forge for the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch, working together to provide more resources and create new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Manitoba.”

By working alongside Pow Wow Pitch, North Forge is contributing to a growing movement that empowers and supports Indigenous entrepreneurship.

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 North Forge

North Forge is a not-for-profit tech incubator, accelerator, and state-of-the-art fabrication lab. They fuel Manitoba’s innovative science-based, technology-enabled, and advanced manufacturing startups from ideation to funding by offering unparalleled programming and resources to help startups grow. Their facilities boast one of North America’s largest publicly accessible fabrication labs (FabLab™), where startups have access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.

For more information, visit northforge.ca.