One National Stage.
From May 5 to 7, 2026, leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners from across the country will gather in Gatineau, Québec, for the NACCA Indigenous Prosperity Forum 2026.This national gathering brings together people from across the Indigenous economic ecosystem to connect, share knowledge, and build what comes next. It is grounded in relationships, opportunity, and shared momentum.
This year, a new moment will take the stage.
Introducing the Indigenous Launchpad for Entrepreneurs Showcase
For the first time, the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation will present the Launchpad Showcase, a featured moment within the Forum that highlights early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs.
This is a space where participants step forward to share what they have been building.
As Bradley Mianscum shared, “Launchpad gave me the confidence to finally see myself as an entrepreneur. It showed me I don’t have to choose between Western business models and my Indigenous worldviews. I can use both while staying true to my roots.”
It is a moment of visibility. A moment of recognition. A moment of stepping onto a national stage.
What is Launchpad?
Launchpad is a free, Indigenous-led online program that supports early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs in building and growing their business ideas.
The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, co-developed with NACCA and DMZ, the program combines practical training, mentorship, and community support to help participants move forward with confidence.
Through self-paced learning, participants develop skills in business planning, leadership, and financial readiness while gaining the tools needed to take their next steps.
As Nikole Braun reflected, “Launchpad sharpened my vision and purpose and is now opening doors I couldn’t access alone. I now move with clarity, confidence, and strategy, fully owning my voice and my impact.”
Why This Showcase Matters
2026 marks IPF’s first official Showcase.
Five Indigenous youth entrepreneurs have been selected from the program to take part. Each has committed to their journey, developed their ideas, and stepped into the work of building something meaningful.
At the Forum, they will present their businesses to a national audience.
For some, this shift is about stepping into leadership in a new way.
As Theron Morningstar shared, “Launchpad shifted my perspective from business owner tovisionary leader. I now have the confidence to stand on any stage, knowing our story is a contribution to Indigenous prosperity.”
They will share what they are building, why it matters, and where they are going next.
Guided by Experience: Meet the Judges
The Launchpad Showcase will be guided by a panel of five judges whose work spans entrepreneurship, finance, innovation, and Indigenous economic development.
Bobbie Lewis-Racette – Founder of Tapwi and a leader in Indigenous entrepreneurship, focused on building businesses that create opportunity.
Jennifer Brennan – Senior Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation, supporting inclusive economic growth.
Abdullah Snobar – Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures, with experience supporting and scaling startups.
Elaine Chambers – CEO of Dana Naye Ventures, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs through financial services and business development.
Cynthia Desjardins – Senior Relationship Manager, Indigenous Markets and Not-for-Profit at RBC, working to strengthen economic opportunities in Indigenous communities.
Together, they will offer insight and thoughtful evaluationas participants share their work.
Hosted by Michaella Montana
Guiding the Showcase on stage will be Michaella Montana, an award-winning host, producer, and media personality known for her work in television and storytelling. Michaella made history as the first Indigenous woman to host Etalk and was also one of the four hosts featured in the Indigenous Launchpad video series.
She brings a strong presence and a gift for connecting with audiences in a way that is both engaging and grounded. Her connection to Launchpad, along with her experience on national platforms, will help shape the energy of the Showcase and create space for each participant to share their story with confidence.
Supporting the Next Step
As part of the Showcase, participants will be eligible to receive seed funding to support the next phase of their business journey.
This year, two awards will be presented:
First Place: $10,000 in seed funding and a sponsored opportunity to attend Harvard AFOA program Second Place: $2,500 in seed funding and an iPad
These awards support both immediate needs and long-term growth. They recognize the work participants have put in and help create space for what comes next.
As Kyler Wilson shared, “Launchpad has empowered me to make my dreams into a tangible career. Through the program, I’ve gained the confidence to keep climbing without worrying about my lack of financial or business skills holding me back.”
The awards will be presented during the Forum as part of a broader celebration of the participants’ journeys.
Building in Community
Beyond skills and opportunities, Launchpad creates something just as important: connection.
Participants are not building alone. They are learning alongside others who share similar experiences, values, and goals.
As Cianna Fayant reflected,“Being part of Indigenous Launchpad has been a very rewarding experience. Itshowed me the importance of being in community with people who understand your journey and reflect your values. It reminded me that success can be built together, not in isolation.”
Meet the Top Five
Five Indigenous youth entrepreneurs have been selected for the first-ever Launchpad Showcase.
After months of building, they are stepping forward to share their work on a national stage.
Here are the Top Five:
Looking Ahead
This Showcase is a starting point. For the participants stepping onto the stage. For the Launchpad program as it continues to grow. And for the work of supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs across the country.
We look forward to celebrating these entrepreneurs and continuing to support their journey.
Thank You to Our Supporters
This work is made possible through the support and partnership of organizations committed to advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship.
We thank the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), DMZ, Mastercard Foundation, EleV Indigenous, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and Bank of Montreal (BMO) for their continued support.