June 25, 2018, | Pow Wow Pitch is a new digital docu-series produced by Startup Canada in partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada, to feature the compelling stories of six Indigenous entrepreneurs.
For the first time on camera, these entrepreneurs share the experiences and motivations that inspired them to start a business, opportunities, and obstacles, providing commentary on Indigenous culture, social impact, and entrepreneurship as a tool for empowerment, healing, and reconciliation.
Hosted by Pow Wow Pitch Founder Sunshine Tenasco, this short-series showcases entrepreneurs who pitched their companies at the 2017 Pow Wow Pitch, which took place at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival.
“I started Pow Wow Pitch because when I was on Dragon’s Den it changed my life and showed me that influential people believed in my idea,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder, and CEO of Her Braids. “Pow Wow Pitch is my opportunity to pay it forward and give Indigenous people the same drive and inspiration that I felt.”
New episodes air on StartupCan.ca and across social media using #PowWowPitch every Sunday at 6:00 PM ET from June 24 to July 29th.
“Startup Canada is proud to work with Sunshine and the Business Development Canada to bring our love of storytelling and showcasing entrepreneurs through the Pow Wow Pitch Docu-Series,” said Victoria Lennox, CEO of Startup Canada. “We believe in the power of entrepreneurship and storytelling as important tools for reconciliation and that these six entrepreneurs will inspire all those who tune-in.”
“At BDC, we believe entrepreneurship can play an important role in creating a brighter future for Indigenous peoples, which is why we are proud to support Pow Wow Pitch and highlight these six entrepreneurs and their stories,” said Michael Denham, CEO of BDC. “As the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, we know promoting a diverse and inclusive economy will set Canada apart on the global stage, and our Indigenous peoples play an important part in our nation’s history and its future.”
The first season of the series spotlights the founders of Cheekbone Beauty, TreeTeas Brewing, Nish Scon, the Northern Shipping Company, Chippewar and Birch Bite. Watch the first episode airing Sunday, June 24, 2018, at 6:00 pm ET at www.startupcan.ca/pow-wow-pitch.
For more information please contact:
Maddie Stiles
Marketing, Communications and Digital Production Administrator
maddie.stiles@startupcan.ca
613-627-0787 ext. 105
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the national rallying community and voice for Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs. Since launching in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to represent more than 200,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots communities from coast to coast to coast. Through digital programs and flagship events, Startup Canada is the network promoting, inspiring, educating, connecting and giving a voice to Canada’s entrepreneurs; supporting them to start, operate and scale businesses that build a better Canada for the world today and for future generations. For more information, visit www.startupcan.ca.
About the Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC is the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. It promotes Canadian entrepreneurship with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses. With its 118 business centers from coast to coast, BDC provides businesses in all industries with financing and advisory services. Its investment arm, BDC Capital, offers equity, venture capital and flexible growth and transition capital solutions. BDC is also the first financial institution in Canada to receive B Corp certification. To find out more, visit bdc.ca.
About Pow Wow Pitch
Pow Wow Pitch supports Indigenous Entrepreneurs through micro startup cash and mentorship while providing a safe, supportive, collaborative, and empowering environment that addresses the challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Learn more about Pow Wow Pitch at www.powwowpitch.com.