ITAC set to be the lead-presenter of the Tourism Industry Pitch
Unceeded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory – Ottawa, ON – Today, Pow Wow Pitch, North America’s premier pitch competition and non-profit organization supporting emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced a new partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) as a Silver Partner for its 2023 Pow Wow Pitch Program.
Set to support more than 2,500 Indigenous entrepreneurs in 2023 with mentorship, funding, training, marketing and a safe and trusted community of support, ITAC’s investment is helping Pow Wow Pitch to scale its virtual programs for creative and tourism entrepreneurs, re-enter communities with on-the-ground support across Canada.
Last year, ITAC supported a Virtual Creative Pitch, providing $2,500 grants, mentorship and training to nine creative Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Canada to commission mini-projects showcasing Indigenous-owned tourism businesses. The nine creative entrepreneurs moved on to pitch to win the Creative Prize Finals, a $15,000 grant for a larger commissioned Tourism project with ITAC. Mini-project recipient, Votan Henriquez, Founder of NSRGNTS placed 3rd in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals in the Creative category.
“We need more Indigenous businesses in tourism, especially on reservations, to help tribes create their own tourism industry,” said Votan on his work with Thrive Tours in the mini-projects.
In addition, ITAC presented the Creative Award at the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards to Dan General, Founder & CEO of DJ Shub Inc. of Fort Erie, ON, providing the winner with a $10,000 Prize.
This year, ITAC will be the lead-presenter of the Tourism Industry Pitch again and will also be contributing both virtual judges towards the virtual Pitch Competition and in-person judges attending live Pow Wow Pitch Competitions.
“We are thrilled to welcome back ITAC into the Pow Wow Pitch family and to continue to help shine the spotlight and provide innovative support to Indigenous creative and tourism entrepreneurs and businesses across Canada,” said Sunshine Tenasco, the Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “The partnership is an example of what can happen when Indigenous-led organizations collaborate, co-create and build capacity in the Indigenous-led economy in our own way.”
“We are delighted to return as a Silver Partner for Pow Wow Pitch and to help uplift creative and tourism entrepreneurs and work with a grassroots community,” said Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC. “As we continue to work toward recovery for the Indigenous tourism industry, it is vital we celebrate and support Indigenous creators who make stories and businesses happen from coast to coast to coast.”