The Pow Wow Pitch—a North Americans pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island—has selected a local woman as a semi-finalist.

Kimberly Kayman, executive director of Quest Accommodation. Photo submitted.

Kimberly Kayman, executive director of Quest Accommodation from the Athahkakoop Cree Nation, was chosen on June 20 from over 2,400 applicants to help grow her business.

After being chosen to be in the semi-finals, Kayman says that the feeling was nerve racking and exciting, adding that it’s been amazing to meet other Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Quest Accommodation is currently in the start up stage, Kayman says. Once completed, people can expect an experience-focused campsite including teepee stays and Indigenous activities, which will be located an hour and a half west of Edmonton.

In the semi-finals, Kayman will have to pitch her business in front of a panel of judges in the early fall. If successful, she will earn $1,000 dollars and will advance towards the finals for a chance to win $25,000 dollars.

To help prepare her for the judges’ panel, Kayman has the help of two mentors and industry leaders that will teach her one-on-one.

Kayman says overall the Pow Wow Pitch is an amazing experience, and recommends Indigenous entrepreneurs to apply next year.

The semi-finals will be broadcast Sept. 6-16 (specific dates and times to be determined), and the People’s Choice voting deadline is Sept. 19, which gives the viewers a chance to vote for their favorite contestant and a chance for a ticket to the finals.

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