Summer programming is in full swing at Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah. Here’s what’s on for July, plus a few community events and opportunities worth your time.

MITTOHNEE EVENTS

AI Prompting for Business: A Conversation with Jared Kozak

Wednesday, July 15, 2026. 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM In-person: Red River College, 319 Elgin Ave, Room E472 (Online: MS Teams)

Jared Kozak joins us for a practical, accessible look at AI prompt engineering for business. The focus is on how entrepreneurs can put AI to work as a real tool to support and grow their ventures, not just a buzzword.

Sign up here

Social Media Marketing with Kelly Krakalovich

Wednesday, July 22, 2026. 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM In-person: Red River College, 319 Elgin Ave, Room E472 (Online: MS Teams)

This hands-on workshop walks you through building a social media strategy from the ground up: your brand voice, your story, content pillars, a simple content matrix, and a one-page action plan. You’ll leave with a worksheet-by-worksheet plan you can pin up and actually use. Worksheets and pens provided.

Sign up here

LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

ADaPT for Indigenous Youth Meet & Greet

Tuesday, July 7, 2026. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, RRC Polytech, Winnipeg, MB

Drop in to start conversations with ADaPT participants and Manitoba employees and make some real connections. Free lunch and professional headshots are included. Say hello to Mittohnee alumni Zachary Flett, who’s moderating the event.

SEE Incubator Cohort 7 Applications Are Open

September 8, 2026 through November 2026

The Social Entrepreneurship Enclave (SEE) is now accepting applications for its next cohort. This community-centred incubator offers weekly circles for community building, subsidies on professional service fees, one-on-one venture coaching, coworking space access, and more. SEE is built for Atypical Entrepreneurs, including non-conforming youth, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, social, racialized, and women entrepreneurs facing additional barriers.

Apply here

BUSINESS GROWTH & NETWORKING

AI at Work: Practical Use Cases Across Product, Project and Change Management

Thursday, July 9, 2026. 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Saddlery on Market, 114 Market Avenue, Winnipeg

Tech Thursdays hosts this interactive panel on how AI is reshaping day-to-day work across product, project, and change management. You’ll leave with actionable insights you can apply right away, and it’s a good chance to bring your questions and connect with like-minded people.

Event details

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MMIWG2S+ Family Fun Day in Winnipeg

Saturday, July 18, 2026. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM CN Stage and Field at The Forks, Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory

The Anish Healing Centre is hosting a Family Fun Day to remember and honour loved ones while connecting with community. Expect games, ceremony, and live entertainment. Laughter and love are healing, and this event brings people together to do both. Free and open to everyone.

For more information, email Isabel.daniels@anish.ca.

National Indigenous History Month is one of the busiest times of year, and there is a lot happening in the entrepreneurship and community space right now. Here’s what you don’t want to miss.

MITTOHNEE NEWS

Applications Are Open for Cohort 2

Are you an Indigenous entrepreneur with a business idea or an existing venture you want to grow? Mittohnee’s incubator program offers hands-on guidance, wrap-around supports, access to experienced mentors and collaborators, and a financial stipend while you do the work. Beyond the resources, it’s a community of people who genuinely want to see you and your business succeed.

If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, we encourage you to apply.

Not sure if you’re ready to apply? Keep reading. Our info sessions are made for you.

Information Sessions in June

Not sure if Mittohnee is right for you? Our summer information sessions are the best place to find out. Program Coordinator Kelly Krakalovich will walk you through the program structure, what a typical week in the incubator looks like, the curriculum, and how to prepare a strong application.

Sessions run throughout June. A special alumni session on July 2, hosted by Mittohnee alumni, offers the chance to hear directly from entrepreneurs who have completed the program and are now building their businesses.

Sessions are free and virtual. Registration is open now.

Register for an Info Session

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Labs4: Technology Readiness Level-Up Program

Applications close June 29 at 11:59 PM ET

Labs4 is a structured, hybrid program designed for researchers and innovators ready to bring their work to market. Over four months, participants build technical competencies, business acumen, product development skills, project management capabilities, and professional networks. The program runs full-time at approximately 30 hours per week, and participants receive a $10,000 stipend to support their work.

Cohort begins January 19, 2027 and runs through May 14, 2027. Applications close this month.

Learn More and Apply

Pow Wow Pitch: Tech 4 Youth

Applications close June 30

The Pow Wow Pitch Tech 4 Youth program provides free essential technology to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 10 and 21, supporting them in launching or growing their business. If you know a young person with a business idea, this one is worth sharing.

Apply Before June 30

WORKSHOPS AND RESOURCES

Entrepreneur Economics 101 with Ernie Mcleod-Linklater

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
In-person: Red River College, 319 Elgin Ave, Room E472 | Online: Microsoft Teams

This masterclass covers foundational economic concepts including business structures, economic sectors, supply and demand, and economic choice. It’s a practical session for anyone building or planning a business.

The workshop is led by Ernie Mcleod-Linklater, from Nisichiwayasihk Cree Nation, a human resource specialist, entrepreneur, and sundancer with deep experience in business development, education, and career support. Ernie draws on personal experience, knowledge, and cultural teachings to provide grounded, personalized guidance.

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. Please fill out the registration form so we can plan accordingly and accommodate any dietary restrictions.

Register Here

EVENTS

Indigenous Tourism Manitoba: 4th Annual Conference

Early Bird Rates available until June 30
September 22 and 23, 2026 | Winnipeg, Treaty 1 Territory

Indigenous Tourism Manitoba is hosting their 4th Annual Conference under the theme Weaving Traditions and Technology. The two-day event is designed for connection, collaboration, and community within the Indigenous tourism sector, with keynote speaker Jordin Tootoo. Early bird rates are available until the end of this month.

Register Here

World Indigenous Business Forum

Early Bird Rates available until June 30
October 26 to 28, 2026 | RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

The World Indigenous Business Forum is coming to Winnipeg this fall. This international gathering brings together Indigenous entrepreneurs and business leaders from around the world to discuss Indigenous economic growth and opportunity. Special rates are available for small and medium enterprises.

General Registration

SME Rates

COMMUNITY

Indigenous Chamber of Commerce: Annual General Meeting

June 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Selkirk Lounge, Notre Dame Campus, Red River College

The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce is holding their Annual General Meeting this month at RRC. Attend to hear organizational updates, engage in discussions, and connect with community members. Board of Director elections will also take place at this meeting. Members attend free and non-members are welcome for $10.

Learn More

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Events Near You

Looking for something to do on June 21? Tourism Winnipeg has put together a list of local events and celebrations happening across the city.

See What’s On

Have something you’d like to see featured in an upcoming edition? A story, resource, or event worth sharing? We’d love to hear from you.

Mittohnee Team

E: mittohnee@rrc.ca

Website

Instagram

Linkedin

Facebook

Everyone starts somewhere. This is the space we’ve created for current and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs to stay connected, find resources, and hear what’s happening in the community. We will be sharing program updates, upcoming events, and opportunities worth your time.

MITTOHNEE NEWS

Applications Are Open for Cohort 2

Are you an Indigenous entrepreneur with a business idea or an existing venture you want to grow? Mittohnee’s incubator program offers hands-on guidance, wrap-around supports, access to experienced mentors and collaborators, and a financial stipend while you do the work. Beyond the resources, it’s a community of people who genuinely want to see you and your business succeed.

If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, we encourage you to apply.

Not sure if you’re ready to apply? Keep reading. Our info sessions are made for you.

Information Sessions in June

Not sure if Mittohnee is right for you? Our summer information sessions are the best place to find out. Program Coordinator Kelly Krakalovich will walk you through the program structure, what a typical week in the incubator looks like, the curriculum, and how to prepare a strong application.

Sessions run throughout June. A special alumni session on July 2, hosted by Mittohnee alumni, offers the chance to hear directly from entrepreneurs who have completed the program and are now building their businesses.

Sessions are free and virtual. Registration is open now.

Register for an Info Session

Find Us at Vision Quest, June 3 and 4

Come find the Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah at the Vision Quest Trade Show this week! We’ll be there with program information, friendly faces, and alumni entrepreneurs stopping by throughout the trade show to chat about their journeys.

Whether you’re curious about the program, want to connect with the team, or just want to see what Indigenous entrepreneurship looks like in action, come say hi. We’d love to meet you.

Learn more about Vision Quest

UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

Neechie Nights, June 8 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Little Brown Jug, Winnipeg, MB

Neechie Nights is back and tickets are completely free! If you haven’t been before, it’s one of the best ways to spend a Monday evening. Connect with Indigenous entrepreneurs, creatives, students, professionals, and community builders in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. Bring your business cards, bring your ideas, or just come to be around your people.

Grab Your Free Ticket

RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Pow Wow Pitch: Deadline Extended to June 14

If you thought you missed your window to apply for Pow Wow Pitch, you’re in luck. The deadline has been extended and you now have until June 14 to get your application in. This is one of the most well-known Indigenous entrepreneur competitions in the country, with the chance to win $25,000 for your business. If you’ve been considering applying, now is the time.

Apply for Pow Wow Pitch

Community Futures: Build a Better Business (Free)

Community Futures Manitoba offers a free, self-paced 10-module program designed to help entrepreneurs build a strong business foundation. Modules cover pricing and cash flow, taxes, legal basics, insurance, human resources, and more. Learn on your own schedule, in your own time.

Start the Program

CULTURE AND CEREMONY

Pow Wow Season Is Here

There is nothing quite like pow wow season. If you need to fill your cup this summer, and honestly, who doesn’t, check out this interactive map of pow wows happening across the country. Find one near you and go.

Pow Wow Map

Have something you’d like to see featured in an upcoming edition? A story, resource, or event worth sharing? We’d love to hear from you.

Mittohnee Team

E: mittohnee@rrc.ca

Website

Instagram

Linkedin

Facebook

Join us this June to learn more about Indigenous programs, supports, and how to start your entrepreneurial journey at RRC Polytech.

Our Summer Information Sessions are now scheduled — and registration is officially open. These virtual sessions are designed to get a clear overview of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah – Indigenous Business Incubator, including how the program supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis entrepreneurs in Manitoba.

Program Coordinator, Kelly Krakalovich, will guide you through the full program structure and answer your questions.

Sessions run throughout June, with a special July 2 alumni session hosted by Shyla Niemi and Mittohnee graduates — a chance to hear directly from entrepreneurs who have completed the program and are now building their businesses.

There will be time for questions and conversation at the end of each session.

Upcoming Sessions

June 1 — 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM-Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/56f5cae1-7f1f-49d4-84bf-566e3ef3918f@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

June 3 — 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM-Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a9aa6ef2-b75e-46c8-ae70-c009931f1389@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

June 8 — 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM-Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b668026f-4446-4740-bb0b-18bcb870b6e7@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

June 10 — 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Evening Session) Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3eb83bd3-f896-4166-8d1b-c533b4aeae7c@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

June 15 — 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM-Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/16519d9f-9a8f-43a8-87d1-c70c0afb57be@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

June 17 — 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Evening Session) Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bb9e239c-eea2-4299-946e-45c17d8d0197@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

June 22 — 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM-Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b00593db-bc1e-450a-8e90-7a3cbc6ddec0@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

June 24 — 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Evening Session) Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/31d6c388-8cb9-4761-a975-f180fa3b8bb2@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

June 29 — 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM-Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7043a14e-4b09-4ad9-895e-2b08a77b8986@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

July 2 — Special Alumni Session – Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6ae42bf7-c257-4c78-af5a-6969101d82e5@86fa9b45-7aa3-4070-8a54-edcef436bd44

What to Expect

During these sessions, you’ll learn about:

• The purpose and vision behind Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah
• What a typical week in the incubator looks like
• Monthly curriculum, workshops, and hands‑on learning
• How to prepare a strong application for Cohort 2

These sessions are open to all Indigenous prospective students and the broader Indigenous communities — whether you’re just beginning to explore options or ready to apply.

E: mittohnee@rrc.ca