On August 30th, 2025, the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Grounds came alive with vibrant dances, songs, food, regalia, and crafts. A Pow Wow is a pan-Indigenous celebration of culture, identity, and spirituality. This year, it was also the stage for a powerful entrepreneurial showcase: the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch.

Sixteen Indigenous founders took the stage in the first round, presenting ideas that ranged from early-stage concepts to businesses already making an impact.

“I was honoured to participate as a judge at the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch, a truly well-organized and mindful event. Sixteen founders delivered impressive presentations in the first round, demonstrating strong preparation and a remarkable variety of ideas. While a few participants were still in the ideation stage, most were already operating businesses seeking traction and growth.” – André Zanoti

From there, the top ten advanced to the second round, where the winner earned a coveted Golden Ticket to the Grand Finals in Ottawa, with the opportunity to compete for $25,000 CAD.

This summer alone, nearly 300 founders pitched their ideas across 16 Pow Wow Pitch events nationwide—a testament to the depth of entrepreneurial spirit within Indigenous communities.

At Venn Innovation, we are especially proud that two of the participating founders, both working on tech solutions, are currently in the pre-incubation stage at the Venn Garage Program, with the potential to join the program fully in the near future.

Local Prizes at Elsipogtog

Fan Favourite – $500
Youth Prize (21 years old or under) – $500
3rd Prize – $1,000
2nd Prize – $2,500
1st Prize – $5,000 + Golden Ticket to the Finals in Ottawa

Our team also had the chance to participate in a meaningful way.

*“The Pow Wow in Elsipogtog was much more than just an event. Representing Venn Innovation, I attended as a mentor for the on-site pitch competition. I had the privilege of witnessing 16 enthusiastic and brilliant Indigenous entrepreneurs passionately share their business ideas and their vision for elevating their community.

I was especially glad to be paired with Christian Polchies and to mentor him on his consulting business. He showed deep mindfulness about the impact he hopes to create for the Indigenous community through his work.

On a personal level, the Pow Wow was truly a ‘wow’ moment for me. The vibrant colors, rhythms, dances, and smiles made the experience unforgettable.

At Venn Innovation, we care about the people behind the startups. And for me, Pow Wow was one of the most meaningful human-centered experiences I’ve had.”* – Ayoub Serhani

For us at Venn Innovation, the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch was more than a competition. It was a reminder that innovation is not only about technology—it’s about people, culture, and community. We’re grateful to witness and support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs making their mark.