Month: June 2018

Pow Wow Pitch: Spotlighting Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Jun 25, 2018

Announcements & News Releases

A Startup Canada Digital Docu-Series in partnership with BDC

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 from Sunday, June 24, 2018, below.

Interested in watching more episodes? Click here for more information.

 

 

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How a Mentor Can Help Your Entrepreneurial Career

Jun 13, 2018

Announcements & News Releases

The ability to “be your own boss” is often cited as one of the most attractive aspects of entrepreneurship, but it can also raise problems for those new to the craft. Who do you turn to when you get stuck? How do you handle areas of business you don’t have any experience in? In these instances, a mentor can be the difference between success and failure for a fledgling business.

Are you ready to find your next mentor? The Raj Manek Business Mentorship Program (RMMP) is currently accepting applications for their September 2018 intake.

What is RMMP? The RMMP is a non-hierarchical process made possible by clear communication, openness and trust. They provide one-on-one mentorship for a mentor and protégé pair. This relationship is not one-sided, and instead, it is an interactive sharing environment which results in an enriching, mutual learning experience

RMMP provides:

  1. One-on-one mentorship with an experienced mentor whose skill sets compliment your targeted areas of improvement.
  2. Monthly seminars on topics of interest create an environment where participants can feel comfortable asking questions.
  3. Technical advisors available one-on-one in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Legal, and Strategic Planning.
  4. Program affiliations to access databases and resources from other programs including PCensus, Reference Canada, Hoovers, iSell, Kompass.
  5. Access to RMMP databases including e-Statement Studies, First Research, and Profit Driver.
  6. Peer-to-peer mentorship service where business owners can congregate and share their thoughts, ideas, and jointly solve problems with the guidance of a technical expert.
  7. Networking opportunities.

Ready to inquire or apply:

Email RMMP at info@manekmentorship.sk.ca; or
Visit RMMP at manekmentorship.ca

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