Closed
Source verified July 12, 2026
Pow Wow Pitch
Indigenous entrepreneurs pitch for cash prizes and support
Latest source updateLast Update: July 11, 2026Latest change: The Pitch to Win page now says applications are closed for 2026 and that the virtual pitch program is no longer accepting submissions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 11, 2026
Latest change: The Pitch to Win page now says applications are closed for 2026 and that the virtual pitch program is no longer accepting submissions.
Pow Wow Pitch applications closed
The Pitch to Win page now states that applications are closed for 2026, replacing the earlier extended-deadline message. It also says the virtual pitch program is no longer accepting submissions and shifts the instructions to live in-person pitching at the listed events on June 19-20, 2026 and July 17-18, 2026. The 2026 Community Guidelines PDF also received a minor title/header update, with no visible changes to eligibility, dates, or participation rules.
Funding available
$ 500 - $ 25,000
Deadline
June 14, 2026
Opened April 1, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Pow Wow Pitch is an Indigenous business pitch competition offering up to $25,000 in prizes to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and business ideas. Participants can pitch online or at live events and may also access mentorship, bootcamps, and visibility opportunities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Submitting a 1-minute pitch for an idea or business.
- Pitching live at one of the in-person events.
- Participating in mentorship, bootcamps, and pitch coaching.
- Advancing through semi-final and final pitch rounds.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- 1-minute pitch video
- Proof of identity or eligibility, if requested
- Required prize recipient form, if awarded
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Businesses, nonprofits, social enterprises, sole proprietorships, and cooperatives.
- Applicants with an idea, an emerging business, or an established business.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who do not identify as Indigenous.
- Applicants who do not live on Turtle Island (Canada or the United States).
- Applicants under 10 years old.
- Previous 1st Place Grand Prize winners.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- United States
- Turtle Island
Selection criteria
- Presentation: clarity of the product or service, value proposition, and path to sustainability.
- Execution: readiness and ability to carry out business goals.
- Motivation: clear use of the funding to move forward.
- Community uplift: positive impact on the community.
How to apply
- Pitch live at one of the in-person events.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications and pitch videos are reviewed, and semi-finalists are selected by the Pow Wow Pitch team.
- Semi-finalists and finalists are evaluated by judges based on the published scoring criteria.
- Applicants are notified by email of next steps, and missing deadlines or required steps may lead to disqualification.
- Cash prizes are distributed only after eligibility is confirmed and required program steps are completed.
- Participants consent to pitch recording and media use by taking part in the program.
Additional information
- Applicants may participate in person.
- Mentorship and bootcamps are included for selected participants.
- Cash prizes are distributed after eligibility is confirmed and required program steps are completed.
- Participants must consent to pitch recording and media use.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pow Wow Pitch Program
What is the Pow Wow Pitch?
Pow Wow Pitch is an Indigenous business pitch competition offering up to $25,000 in prizes to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and business ideas. Participants can pitch online or at live events and may also access mentorship, bootcamps, and visibility opportunities.
How much funding can be received?
Pow Wow Pitch Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was June 14, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Pow Wow Pitch program?
To be eligible for the Pow Wow Pitch program, you must:
Indigenous entrepreneurs on Turtle Island.
Business idea or company at any stage.
Applicants aged 10 or older.
What expenses are eligible under Pow Wow Pitch?
Submitting a 1-minute pitch for an idea or business.
Pitching live at one of the in-person events.
Participating in mentorship, bootcamps, and pitch coaching.
Advancing through semi-final and final pitch rounds.
Who can I contact for more information about the Pow Wow Pitch?
You can contact Pow Wow Pitch by email at hello@powwowpitch.org.
Where is the Pow Wow Pitch available?
The Pow Wow Pitch program is available across Canada.